Carl Zuckmayer, a Jewish author, reflects on the disbelief surrounding the threats made against Jews during the rise of the Nazi regime. He notes that even among Jews, there was a pervasive sentiment that these harsh anti-Semitic sentiments were exaggerated and served primarily as propaganda. Many thought the Nazis would abandon such rhetoric once they gained power and were in positions of authority.

This perspective highlights a dangerous underestimation of the Nazis' intentions. The notion that their extreme vitriol was a mere tactic revealed a lack of awareness about the severity of the situation as detailed in Erik Larson's book "In the Garden of Beasts." The complexities of the political environment and the horrifying reality faced by the Jewish community are critical themes in this narrative.