Between Two Worlds: Jewish War Brides After the Holocaust

Inspired by her own grandmother’s story, Judd’s (history, Ohio State Univ.) debut uncovers the hidden history of Jewish war brides, who were often unwilling to share their stories in their lifetimes due to the trauma they lived through. The chaos of post–World War II Europe meant that displaced persons, only a few of whom were able to return to their past lives, had little recourse to move or emigrate. Marriage represented a way out, though it was never an easy prospect. Many Jewish U.S. servicemen were eager to aid in relief efforts for European Jews. Despite restrictions on fraternization, they ended up meeting and falling in love with Jewish Europeans. But religious and military restrictions limited which couples were allowed to marry, and women were unable to travel without waiting for war-bride transports in yet more camps in France or England and often with small children. While Judd makes the case for why these stories are important, the narrative is more academic than literary.