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Case Closed: Holocaust Survivors in Postwar America

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Beth Cohen's study of the reception of Jewish survivors in America is an important and timely addition to the growing literature on the Holocaust. Whilst much has been written on issues relating to Holocaust memory and other aspects of 'aftermath' studies, much less attention has been given to the issue of reception of survivors, including the challenges and difficulties facing them on arrival. Hence, this book fills a much-needed gap. It discusses the formation of the main agencies of reception, the United Service for New Americans (USNA) and the New York Association for New Americans (NYANA) and their policies in terms of finding employment, assisting child survivors, and meeting the needs of religious Jewish DPs, amongst other topics. The topic for each chapter is dealt with in general terms, as well as providing a number of case studies which illustrate through personal stories the theme of the chapter. Cohen also addresses what she describes as the 'myth' of the silence, stressing many survivors did want to talk but no one wanted to listen. Well written, and based on thorough research this book is well worth reading.