Were These Historical Figures Good for the Jews?

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Nikola Tesla

His revolutionary achievements included inventing the Tesla coil, developing alternating current power systems, and even remote control technology. But were his attitudes concerning the Jews progressive or regressive?

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Tesla has been accused of being antisemitic due to some derogatory quotes equating Jews with the lower class, and lamenting having to seeking funding from “some Jews.” There’s even an infamous quote of him saying, “Miss, never trust a Jew.” But this last one is completely unsubstantiated. However, historians believe these to be him simply going along with the sentiments of the day.

Despite what he said, what he actually did was surround himself with Jewish supporters. Fritz Lowenstien was his closest associate and friend. Jewish editor and publisher Hugo Gernsback published Nikola Tesla’s autobiography in his magazine the Electrical Experimenter. Gernsback was also a great friend to Tesla personally. Other Jewish Tesla associates included Sam Gugenheim, August Belmont, and Carl Laemmle.

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Pope Pius XI

Popes haven’t always had the best track record with the Jews. How was Ambrogio Damiano Achille Ratti, aka Pius XI during his time as Pope?

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At first glance, one may say Pius XI was great for the Jews considering how critical he was of the rising fascist regimes in Europe just before the start of the Second World War. In an anti-Nazi statement he expressed, “In spirit, we are all Semites.” He also condemned Mussolini’s similar laws as “disgraceful imitations” of Hitler.

But unfortunately, with his death in February of 1939, his predecessor Pius XII wouldn’t stand so firmly against what would be the massacre of European Jewry. Did Pius’s support and then untimely death give the Jews of Europe a false sense of security? Had he been less supportive perhaps more Jews would have fled before it was too late. Sometimes good intentions can lead to disastrous ramifications. Even though he didn’t intend to harm the Jews, his actions brought about negative consequences.

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Anton Chekov

The 19th century Russian playwright may be the most influential theatre scribe since William Shakespeare. His works probed deeply into the human psyche in subtle but profound ways. But concerning the Jews, were his writings good or bad?

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Chekov lived during the infamous Dreyfus affair and he “devoured” virtually all news reports pertaining to it. Not only did he come to the conclusion that Dreyfus was clearly innocent, it was a sign that antisemitism in France had become systemic. His abhorrence to the anti-Jewish sentiment was in thought and in action as well. When his long-standing friend Aleksei Suvorin, editor of the New Times, expressed that Dreyfus defender Emile Zola was being bribed by Jewish funding, he broke off the friendship and publicly lambasted New Times.

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Laura Bush

First Lady to President George W. Bush, Laura Bush was known for her education initiatives, combating HIV/AIDS in Africa, and her Texas hospitality. But did her hospitality extend to the Jews?

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The story goes that at the 2004 White House Hanukkah Party the First Lady noticed that several of the Jews were not eating the food. When the issue of kosher food was explained to her, she was appalled that the White House had put on an event that the people it was intended to honor couldn’t enjoy. She inquired as to what it would take for the White House kitchen to become kosher to which Rabbi Levi Shemtov replied, “Well, you’re going to have to stay out of the kitchen for 24 hours before the party.”

Regardless of whether that’s exactly how it happened, it is documented that starting in 2005, Laura Bush insisted the White House kitchen be kashered prior to the White House Hanukkah party and that all food be served to the highest standard of kosher certification. The tradition continues to this day.

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Duke of Wellington

Sir Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington was the man who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. He rose to power serving twice as Britain’s Prime Minister and remained Commander-in-Chief of Forces until he died in 1852. But was his political and military prowess to the Jews benefit or detriment?

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Once Wellesley became the head of the House of Commons, he refused to support Nathan Meyer Rothschild’s proposal to allow Jews to own property or vote in parliamentary elections. This wouldn’t be his only chance he had to ignore Jewish pleas for equality. In 1830, Rothschild, along with Isaac Goldsmid and Moses Montefiore, introduced a bill to extend all civil rights, privileges, and opportunities for employment to be “opened to Jews.” Wellington refused calls to let party members vote their conscience and the bill was defeated.

Three years later, Wellesley had fallen from his position as Prime Minister but remained in the House of Lords. The bill for Jewish emancipation was proposed again and this time swiftly was passed by the House of Commons. But upon reaching the House of Lords, Wellesley’s reaction has been described by English politician Henry Richard Vassall-Fox, 3rd Baron Holland, as “one of the worst… and most injudicious speeches… every word of it implied or avowed that no relaxation of exclusive laws [against Jews] should ever be made.” The bill was once again defeated and the Jews of England would have to wait another 25 years for the next chance for equality in the United Kingdom.

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Superman

The original superhero, Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. The Man of Steel has gone on to appear in literally thousands of comics, star in 11 movies (with #12 on the way,) and has always stood for truth, justice, and the American way. But is this icon an inspiration for Jewish pride? Or an idol like the lascivious gods of Rome?

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It’s no surprise that Superman’s roots are distinctly Jewish. Created by children of Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and the Netherlands, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creation revolutionized the industry ushering in the Golden Age of comic books. During the ‘30s Jewish creatives had trouble finding work in the classically upscale jobs such as advertising. Many found a place in the comic book industry which ended up being built by Jewish immigrants and their children.

There’s no question that the morals and spirit of Jewish thought embedded themselves in the fabric of these stories and Superman was at the heart of it. As the ultimate immigrant, he hid behind a mild-mannered secret identity, stood up for those who are less fortunate, and even his true name, Kal-El can be translated from Hebrew as “voice of God.” So it is only fitting that the newest cinema iteration of the Man of Steel will finally be played by a Jewish actor, David Corenswet.