American Fever Dream: Remembering the Holocaust with Rodi Glass

Podcast Information:

• Title: American Fever Dream
• Host/Author: Betches Media
• Description: This podcast aims to alleviate the collective anxiety stemming from a tumultuous political landscape by delving into significant moments in politics and pop culture with a blend of perspective and humor. Hosts V. Spehar and Sami Sage provide insightful discussions, empowering listeners with information to become informed citizens without the accompanying despair.

Episode Overview: Remembering the Holocaust with Rodi Glass

Release Date: December 19, 2024

In this poignant bonus episode, hosts V. Spehar and Sami Sage engage in a deeply moving conversation with Rhodey Glass, a Holocaust survivor. The episode delves into Rhodey's harrowing experiences during World War II, offering listeners a firsthand account of survival, resilience, and the lingering impacts of such atrocities on individuals and communities.

Section 1: Early Life in the Netherlands

Rhodey Glass begins by recounting her childhood in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where she was born in 1936. Her family was part of a Jewish community that had integrated well into Dutch society, with Jews contributing significantly to the cultural and economic fabric of Amsterdam.

Notable Quote:

"The Jews came to Amsterdam during the Inquisition when they were expelled from Spain and Portugal. They were allowed to have businesses, own land, and live freely until 1940."
— Rhodey Glass (02:15)

Section 2: German Invasion and Initial Occupation

In 1940, the peaceful life of the Dutch Jews was shattered by Hitler's invasion. Rhodey's narrative paints a vivid picture of the sudden shift from freedom to oppression, highlighting the rise of Dutch Nazi collaborators and the imposition of restrictive laws on the Jewish community.

Key Points:

• Introduction of oppressive regulations, such as mandatory registration with a "big J" on identity papers.
• Confiscation of valuables and prohibition of everyday activities like attending school or using public transportation.

Notable Quote:

"We lived like Dutch citizens. We were not segregated because we were Jews. But in retrospect, it was an illusion."
— Rhodey Glass (49:55)

Section 3: Deportation to Westerbork

In September 1942, Rhodey recounts the traumatic experience of being forcibly taken from her home to the Westerbork transit camp. At just six years old, she describes the fear and confusion felt during the separation from her father and the uncertainty of their fate.

Key Points:

• Random arrests without any prior notice.
• The arduous journey to Westerbork, marked by fear and harsh conditions.
• Life within the camp, characterized by overcrowded barracks, scarcity of food, and the constant presence of danger.

Notable Quote:

"My mother ran down the stairs and they said, 'draus, draus. You got to get out.' She dressed me, and we were put in an army truck with other Jewish people."
— Rhodey Glass (14:42)

Section 4: Acts of Kindness and Survival

A pivotal moment in Rhodey's story is the intervention of a familiar Gestapo officer who chose to remove her family from the deportation list, sparing them from imminent death at Auschwitz. This act of humanity underscores the fragile line between life and death during the Holocaust.

Key Points:

• The role of personal relationships in survival.
• The immense risk taken by individuals to protect others.
• The significance of hope and resilience in dire circumstances.

Notable Quote:

"We got what was called a spear. It's called the diamond spare... My grandfather paid the guy, and we were released and went back to Amsterdam the first time."
— Rhodey Glass (25:23)

Section 5: Continued Persecution and Final Deportation

Despite their initial release, Rhodey and her family faced ongoing persecution. The enforcement of wearing Jewish stars and the increasing number of deportations meant that safety was ever elusive. Eventually, Rhodey and her family were sent to Vittel, a POW camp in France, where they remained until liberation.

Key Points:

• The imposition of Jewish stars and other dehumanizing measures.
• The false promises of safety and reassurances by Nazi officials.
• The transition from slavery-like conditions to displacement camps.

Notable Quote:

"They decided, for the time being, you're not being sent East. But 'for the time being' is also very... what's the time being? Could be five minutes, five years, five days."
— Rhodey Glass (29:45)

Section 6: Liberation and Life After the War

Liberated in September 1944 by the American army, Rhodey reflects on the immense challenges of rebuilding in a country that had been ravaged by war. The emotional and psychological scars of the Holocaust endured long after physical liberation.

Key Points:

• The immediate aftermath of liberation and the struggle to regain normalcy.
• The loss of family members and the burden of starting anew.
• The resilience required to overcome trauma and loss.

Notable Quote:

"We were liberated by the most wonderful army in the world, the American army. Retrospectively, we were liberated from the Germans, but we were not liberated from anything else—grief, pain, worry, anxiety."
— Rhodey Glass (42:06)

Section 7: Reflections on Modern Anti-Semitism

Towards the end of the episode, Rhodey draws parallels between historical anti-Semitism and contemporary events, expressing concern over the resurgence of hatred and violence against Jews. She emphasizes the importance of remembering the past to prevent history from repeating itself.

Key Points:

• The enduring nature of anti-Semitism and its manifestations today.
• The psychological impact of witnessing atrocities during both past and present conflicts.
• The necessity of education and remembrance in combating hatred.

Notable Quote:

"Please do not hate, because hate is a useless emotion. It eats you up more than the person you hate. Lead with love."
— Rhodey Glass (56:56)

Conclusion: Lessons in Resilience and Compassion

The episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude from the hosts towards Rhodey, highlighting the invaluable lessons of resilience, hope, and the power of human kindness. Rhodey's enduring spirit serves as a testament to the strength of the human will in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Notable Quote:

"Women should run the world."
— Rhodey Glass (56:34)

Final Thoughts

This episode of American Fever Dream serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the enduring need for compassion and understanding in today's world. Rhodey Glass's testimony not only educates but also inspires listeners to lead lives grounded in empathy and resilience.

Additional Resources:

• For ongoing news updates, sign up for the Sup email newsletter at betches.com/newsletters.
• Follow Betches Media on Instagram at @betches_news.
• Follow V. Spehar on TikTok and Instagram at @underthedesknews.