On November 9, 1938, the Nazis coordinated a nationwide pogrom against Jews. This anti-Jewish riot is known as "Kristallnacht" and referred to in English as the “Night of Broken Glass.” During the riot, groups of Nazis destroyed thousands of Jewish-owned businesses and more than 1,400 synagogues. They humiliated, assaulted, and even killed Jewish people. This footage shows scenes from a protest rally in New York City. Rabbi Stephen S. Wise voiced the outrage of the American Jewish community. As part of an official protest by the United States government against the violence, President Franklin D. Roosevelt recalled America's ambassador from Germany for consultation.
The American people led the worldwide protest against the Nazi pogrom. Anti-Hitler demonstrations have taken place all over the country. Jewish protest in this genuinely democratic nation was voiced by Chief Rabbi Wise: "American Jews are resolved, together with all other racial and religious groups in American life, to safeguard the equal rights of Jews, at home and abroad." Washington lined up with the people. Summoning his cabinet on learning of the Hitler pogrom, President Roosevelt took an unparalleled step. He recalled the American ambassador from Germany. So, from the United States embassy, full evidence of the atrocities is being taken by ambassador Hugh Wilson to his president. Hitler retaliated by recalling his minister from Washington.
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