Early Life and Background
Jerry Elman was born into a world overshadowed by the Holocaust, shaped by the silence of his parents, who were survivors of that unimaginable horror. Growing up, he knew very little of their past; their pain remained unspoken as they tried to rebuild their lives. It wasn’t until his retirement that Jerry felt compelled to uncover the stories buried in that silence.
Driven by a deep need to understand not only his parents’ suffering but also his own connection to their legacy, Jerry embarked on a journey of research and writing. In doing so, he discovered that the impact of being a second-generation survivor—the inherited trauma, the unspoken burdens—was not unique to him. His parents’ extraordinary resilience and quiet courage became the heart of his work, propelling him to share their stories as a tribute to them and a way to inspire, educate, and ensure these lessons endure.
Miracles Through Hell
“Miracles Through Hell” is Jerry’s memoir recounting his parents’ harrowing yet miraculous survival during the Holocaust. The book blends historical events with personal stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, faith, and hope. It has been praised for its heartfelt narrative and contribution to Holocaust literature, serving as both a tribute to the human spirit and a reminder of the atrocities that must never be forgotten.
Contributions and Legacy
Jew Hate Education: Jerry is deeply committed to educating people about the full spectrum of Jew hate, refusing to use the term “antisemitism” because he considers it a fabricated term. He traces Jew hate from its origins in ancient Roman times through the European persecution of Jews during the Middle Ages, the Russian creation of racial Jew hate, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the ongoing Israel/Palestinian Arab conflict. He believes understanding this deep-rooted history is essential to addressing its contemporary manifestations. Through his writing and speaking engagements, Jerry raises awareness and ensures these lessons are never forgotten, fostering a broader understanding of both the historical and modern dimensions of Jew hate.
Advocacy: Beyond his writing, Jerry actively advocates for tolerance and understanding. He works tirelessly to combat Jew hate and other forms of bigotry, focusing on dialogue, education, and empathy. His approach is not to confront with hostility but to encourage reflection and foster a deeper understanding of the Jewish experience throughout history.
Personal Reflections
Jerry views his work as a continuation of his parents’ legacy, honoring their courage and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations. His efforts are centered on finding light in darkness, using education to build a more inclusive and compassionate world.
A Focus on Jew Hate, Not Just the Holocaust
Jerry believes that to truly understand and combat Jew hate today, it is crucial to view the Holocaust not as an isolated event but as part of a much longer history of persecution spanning centuries. He illustrates how Jew hate has mutated over time, evolving from ancient religious persecution to racial discrimination and, in the present day, to political hostility, especially against Israel. This modern form of Jew hate often disguises itself as criticism of Israel, falsely linking Jews to oppression and human rights abuses. This mutation is gaining traction, particularly on college campuses, where it masquerades as social justice activism.
Jerry’s focus is on education and dialogue, not confrontation. He seeks to challenge misconceptions and break the persistent cycle of prejudice by fostering understanding and empathy. Through his work, he aims to change attitudes and beliefs, addressing both the historical roots and the contemporary expressions of Jew hate.
New Book Projects
Misplaced Blame: How Britain’s Failures Made Israel the Scapegoat
Jerry’s forthcoming book, “Misplaced Blame: How Britain’s Failures Made Israel the Scapegoat,” delves into the historical context of British policies in the Middle East during the 20th century. The book examines how Britain’s colonial ambitions, political maneuvers, and inconsistent policies led to instability and conflict in the region, ultimately contributing to the perception of Israel as a convenient scapegoat for broader regional problems.
By exploring the complex geopolitical dynamics that have shaped modern Jew hate, particularly in relation to the Israel/Palestinian conflict, Jerry aims to challenge prevailing narratives that unfairly blame Israel. The book seeks to reveal the historical failures of British policy, including contradictory promises, arbitrary borders, and the fostering of divisions that persist today. Through this examination, Jerry hopes to offer deeper insight into the roots of contemporary hostility toward Israel and encourage a more informed and nuanced understanding of the ongoing conflict.