We Were German Jews

We Were German Jews is an enthralling, autobiographical documentary feature that was released in 1981. Spearheaded by the real-life couple, Herbert and Lotte Strauss, the documentary is a compelling tale of survival, determination, and love, set against the backdrop of a world shrouded in the despair of World War II and the Holocaust.

A poignant illustration of personal struggle and historic turmoil, the film centers on the experiences of Herbert and Lotte Strauss who were born and raised in Germany. Both Herbert and Lotte come from affluent, well-respected Jewish families and lived comfortably in their homeland until the rise of the Nazis. Their elments of normalcy, safety, and predictability are soon disrupted by the nightmare of fascism, discrimination, and intense anti-Semitism that was spreading across Germany in the early 1930s.

The narrative is deployed via a combination of personal recollections from the couple, together with an array of photographs and impactful archival footage that chart the horrifying developments of the Holocaust. What makes this film stand out, however, is that it presents a deeply personal and intimate view into the lives of ordinary people who must navigate the historical complexities and challenges of their era.

Herbert Strauss, a historian by profession, shares a vivid and heartrending account of his early life as he tries to cope with the horrifying escalation of Nazi power. Herbert, born in 1918 in Frankfurt, recalls his teenage years, vividly expounding on his experience of escalating discrimination, the frenetic efforts to emigrate, and his family's harrowing escape from Germany.

On the other hand, his wife Lotte, who was born in 1923 in Berlin, offers her own equally gripping experiences. She nostalgically recalls her earlier life of luxury and the utter disillusionment and horror that came with Hitler's rise to power. From being a sheltered child to a refugee, Lotte's transition mirrors the drastic transformation that Germany underwent during this fateful period.

Their joined narrative is inlaid with profound emotional depth, highlighting the stark contrast between their once privileged lives and the mounting tension that led to their ultimately becoming refugees. This personal account serves as a micro-narrative of the broader story of millions of Jews whose lives were turned upside down by the rise of the Nazi regime.

Each frame is laced with the bitter memories of their past encounters, the haunting echoes of hysteric anti-Semitic chants, the virulent propaganda campaigns, and the horrifying visions of Kristallnacht. Throughout their recollections, the film conveys the multi-layered complexities of their identities as German Jews, a dichotomy that makes their saga even more poignant.

The film is directed by Marion Cajori, and while the documentary captures the raw, visceral experiences of the couple, it also showcases her astute direction. Cajori intricately interweaves the Strauss’ personal narratives with the larger historical context, providing an authentic account of the era. The film’s poignant narrative is complemented by its minimalist aesthetic, giving more power and emphasis to the narrative itself.

One of the most compelling aspects of We Were German Jews is how it manages to encapsulate the lingering pain of the Holocaust while simultaneously chronicling the human spirit's resilience. Herbert and Lotte Strauss had their lives brutally upended, yet their spirit remained unbroken. Despite their traumas, the couple built a new life in America and committed to educating people about the Holocaust through their work and this documentary.

The protagonists’ narration is wrenching and honest, and it oscillates between despair and hope, striking a balance that prevents the film from being an utterly disheartening account of their past atrocities. Their strength and courage are testament to survival and the tenacity of the human spirit, even in the grimmest of circumstances.

We Were German Jews is a powerful depiction of resilience, survival, and the unbreakable human will. It offers an intimate delight that lies in the profundity and authenticity of its narrative. Told from the unique viewpoint of the German Jews who had to bear witness to their homeland turn hostile, it's a remarkable piece of cinema that deserves its place in the annals of historical documentaries.