after all that, after the concentration camps in Germany, after we stated definitely that our former home was changed into a mass grave, we can only grope and clasp with our finger tips the shadows of our dearest and painfully cry: I can never more see my home. The victorious nations that in the 20th century removed the black plague from Europe must understand once and for all the specific Jewish problem. No, we are not Polish when we are born in Poland; we are not Lithuanians even though we once passed through Lithuania; and we are neither Roumanians though we have seen the first time in our life the sunshine in Roumenia. We are Jews!!
The quote reflects intense sorrow and loss experienced by Jewish individuals post-World War II, emphasizing the profound impact of the Holocaust and the transformation of their homes into places of suffering and death. The author expresses a deep sense of dislocation and identity crisis, feeling disconnected from the nations where they lived, such as Poland, Lithuania, or Romania. This highlights the struggle of Jews to reclaim their identities after the devastation they endured.
Furthermore, the excerpt calls for a recognition of the unique challenges faced by Jews as a result of historical trauma. The author insists that despite geographical ties to various countries, the essence of their identity remains firmly rooted in Jewishness. This emphasizes the complexity of nationality and belonging in the aftermath of such profound loss, urging victorious nations to acknowledge and understand the specific Jewish plight that arose from their tragic history.
