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CPL Herbert Blum: Hitler as the Modern Haman

Corporal Herbert Blum sent this Purim card (issued by the Jewish Welfare Board) home to his parents in Jersey City. Blum worked for the Army Air Forces as a cryptographic technician during WWII. He served in Europe with the 327th Signal Company, 8th Air Force in 1944 and 1945.

His eloquent and poignant words:

“Dear Folks,

History repeats itself in every detail as the modern Haman rushes toward his due end. Perhaps next Purim we shall celebrate doubly a triumph over evil and racial prejudice.

All my love, Sonny.”

Blum was not the only person to make the connection between the Nazi leader and the villain of the Megillah. But the observation from a young Jewish man from Jersey City in the midst of the war is an important one.

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