The Remnant - Stories of the Jewish Resistance in WWII by Othniel J. Seiden

Catholic Church has been doing piecemeal for centuries and you all seem so astonished."
    Father Peter sat speechless.
    "Why do I shock you? I'm told you are an historian. You must know the Church has been trying to rid the world of Jews long before there was a Germany. The Crusades were blessed by several Popes-anti-Semitic policy was built into Catholic doctrine by Paul-the founder of our faith. You know as well as I do that the ghetto was not an invention of the Germans. We have just improved on that Christian concept."
    "Surely you can't compare..." Father Peter began.
    "If you will recall," Oberman interrupted, "the first ghettos appeared in Venice, toward the end of the fifteenth century. After that, the Church established ghettos for Jews everywhere that it had sufficient influence over local governments. And it was the Church that passed ordinances that Catholics could not work with Jews or deal with them, driving them out of many professions and occupations. We have just borrowed these ideas and methods. The Roman Catholic Church has reminded the world for centuries that the Jews are nothing but tyrants and congenital enemies of Church and state.
    "Understand, Father, I have no argument with those facts. What I find disgusting and hypocritical is that you speak out against your own policies when someone else carries them out for you." There was a humorous sarcastic tone to his voice as he grinned at the priest.
    Father Peter was stunned. He was well-versed in history and knew he could not argue these facts with the German. They were facts not openly discussed by churchmen-delicate matters, best left undiscussed. Well then, thought Father Peter, what of this agreement? "Tell me of the agreement you mentioned."
    A smirk crossed Oberman's face, "I thought perhaps you wouldn't ask." He paused for effect. "The fact of record is that on July 20th, of the year 1933, our Pope, Pius XI, signed a concordat between the Fuhrer and the Vatican. The Roman Catholic Church agreed to keep its priests and influence out of our politics. Your sermon yesterday certainly did not uphold your Church's side of that agreement. I think you will admit that it is your obligation to support the policies of the Vatican. Am I wrong?"
    "No, you are right. I must uphold the policies of His Holiness. I do, however, seriously question your interpretation of this agreement-if it exists."
    "Oh, I assure you, it exists. Without question it exists. I would suggest you contact your superiors and make yourself familiar with your obligations in these matters. The Vatican knows that what Hitler and the Reich do are for the best. You should have faith in the wisdom of the Church. When the Vatican agreed to keep out of our politics, our Fuhrer granted complete freedom to the educational and religious policies of the Church." Oberman paused, studied the expression on Father Peter and then continued. "We have certainly lived up to our end of the bargain. We are very understanding people, however and we understand that your comments were probably provoked by a lack of insight. We felt that this dialogue would help you to understand the situation."
    Father Peter looked at Oberman. He had nothing to say.
    "I am sure, Father, that after you have had a chance to consider all that I have told you, you will find it in you heart to give your parishioners a better sermon next Sunday. Admit that you spoke hastily! They will have nothing but the deepest respect for you then. We are, after all, doing what is best for the world. The Vatican understands that ...surely you cannot doubt that wisdom."
    Father Peter remained silent.
    The German seemed satisfied.
    "It has been a pleasure to meet you, Father. Remember, we are in this struggle together-the Reich and the Church-to rid the world of the Bolsheviks and the Jews. Both are a threat to civilization. Both are a threat to the Church."
    Oberman got up, bid the silent priest a good day and walked back to his waiting staff car. He