Yaacov, we can't change the past. Those were different times, possessing a different political and cultural context, with different mindsets.
I can't continue to torture myself over any sins my forefathers may have committed. And I don't bear any grudge against the Catholic church for the crimes that their previous leadership may have inflicted on my protestant ancestors.
And given that the Vatican was distinctly at risk of being invaded by the Nazis, were they seen to be actively supporting resistance against them, I wouldn't expect them to openly oppose Hitler.
And just as there were many racists and bigots in the Catholic hierarchy, there were many others who were not, and who actually risked their lives to hides Jews and get them out of the occupied Europe.
With the fervor of rampant anti-semitism that was running wild throughout Europe, it would be difficult for ANY church leadership to openly oppose the irrational bigotry of their congregations. To do so would almost certainly guarantee their dismissal or transfer.
I'm not excusing any of this, but merely accepting the fact that it happened, as well as trying to understand WHY it happened.
And if people seek to understand the reasons for the brutality they inflict on their fellow man, maybe they'll think twice before permitting it to happen again.
Hawk |
