by the second quarter of the twentieth century one in nine German doctors was a Jew, and one in six lawyers. There were also above-average numbers of Jews working as newspaper editors, journalists, theatre directors and academics. Indeed, they were under-represented in only one of Germany's elite occupational groups, and that was the officer corps of the army. Anti-Semitism, then, was sometimes nothing more than the envy of under-achievers.
By the mid-20th century, Jewish professionals in Germany played significant roles in various fields. A notable proportion of doctors and lawyers were Jewish, with statistics indicating one in nine doctors and one in six lawyers belonged to the Jewish community. Jews found themselves thriving in industries such as journalism, theater, and academia, showcasing their contributions to German society.
However, there was a stark underrepresentation of Jews in the military's officer ranks, suggesting that anti-Semitism may have stemmed in part from feelings of envy among those who were less accomplished. This phenomenon highlights a complicated social dynamic in which the success of Jewish individuals in various professions fueled resentment from others who perhaps struggled to achieve similar recognition.
