The Eternal Jew (play)

The Eternal Jew is a play based on the antisemitic Nazi propaganda film of the same name. Written by Eberhard Wolfgang Möller, it premiered in Germany in 1937. The play, like the film, aimed to demonize Jews and justify the Nazi regime's policies toward them.

The plot typically centered around stereotypical and highly negative portrayals of Jewish characters. They were often depicted as greedy, manipulative, rootless, and disloyal to the nation. The play's narrative sought to connect Jews to various societal ills, blaming them for economic problems, cultural decay, and political instability. It presented a biased and distorted view of Jewish history and culture, reinforcing existing prejudices and contributing to an atmosphere of hatred.

The Eternal Jew was intended to be a tool for indoctrination, solidifying the Nazi ideology in the minds of German audiences. Its success lay not in artistic merit but in its effectiveness as propaganda. The play was widely performed in Germany during the Nazi era, contributing significantly to the dehumanization of Jews and paving the way for the Holocaust.

After World War II, The Eternal Jew was banned in Germany. Performances of the play are now widely considered hate speech due to its blatant antisemitism and its role in inciting violence against Jewish people. The play serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of propaganda and the devastating consequences of unchecked prejudice.