Quakers

since the 17th century

The quakers

some history

The Quakes was a religous group founded in 17th century. The group took the name “Quakers” name from the "quaking" that is sometimes associated with the agitation of religious feeling. Within a few decades, Quaker philosophy and religious practice spread from the British Isles to northwestern Europe and the British colonies. A fundamental tenet of Quaker belief is that every person contains a divine “inner light” of God, which leads many Quakers to respond to human suffering with compassion and active assistance regardless of race, religion, or ethnicit.

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how the Quakers saved peoplE During WW2

During World War II, Quakers used various methods to help Jews and other persecuted groups escape from the Nazis. Some of the ways Quakers helped included: Providing false documents: Quakers helped to create and distribute false identity papers and other documents that could be used by Jews to escape Nazi persecution. Hiding Jews: Quakers helped to provide safe houses and hiding places for Jews who were at risk of being captured by the Nazis. Smuggling Jews to safety: Quakers helped to smuggle Jews out of Nazi-occupied territories and into neutral countries or countries where they could be protected. Providing financial support: Quakers helped to provide financial support to Jews and other persecuted groups, helping them to escape and survive. It is difficult to determine exactly how many Jews were saved by Quakers during World War II, as much of the work was done quietly and without fanfare. However, it is estimated that Quakers helped to save thousands of Jewish lives during the war.

righteous among the nations

The "Righteous Among the Nations" is an honorific title given by Yad Vashem to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. As of 2021, over 27,000 people from 51 countries have been recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations." Some examples of Quakers who have been recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations" include: C. F. Andrews: An English Quaker who worked in India, Andrews helped to rescue Jews in Budapest, Hungary during the war. George F. Duckett: A British Quaker who worked with the AFSC, Duckett helped to rescue Jews in France and helped to smuggle Jewish children to safety in Switzerland. Elfrida Vipont Foulds: A British Quaker who worked with the AFSC, Foulds helped to rescue Jews in France and helped to smuggle Jewish children to safety in Switzerland. Gertrude M. Fiske: An American Quaker who worked with the AFSC, Fiske helped to rescue Jews in France and helped to smuggle Jewish children to safety in Switzerland. These are just a few examples of the many Quakers who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Their actions serve as a testament to the Quaker commitment to peace, justice, and compassion.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DID THE QUAKERS SAVE DURING WW2

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of rescues that were carried out by Quakers during World War II, as many of their efforts were done quietly and without seeking recognition. However, we do know that the Quakers were involved in a number of rescue and relief efforts, particularly in Europe, where they provided aid to those affected by the war. For example, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker organization, provided food, clothing, and medical supplies to civilians in war-torn countries such as France and Germany. They also helped to relocate refugees and displaced persons, including Jewish refugees who were fleeing persecution by the Nazis. Additionally, Quakers were involved in efforts to rescue Allied soldiers who had been captured and held as prisoners of war. For example, British Quakers were involved in the "Friends Ambulance Unit," which was established during World War I but continued to operate during World War II. The unit provided medical assistance to Allied soldiers and also helped to smuggle escaped prisoners of war out of enemy territory. While we may not have a specific number of rescues carried out by Quakers during World War II, their efforts were undoubtedly significant and played a crucial role in helping those affected by the war.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE QUAKERS

Nonviolence and pacifism can make a difference: Quakers believe in nonviolence and pacifism, and they put these beliefs into practice during World War II. They refused to fight or support the war effort in any way, but they still found ways to make a difference. For example, they provided relief and aid to those affected by the war, including prisoners of war and civilians in Europe. Courage in the face of opposition: The Quakers faced a great deal of opposition for their beliefs during World War II, and some were even imprisoned for refusing to fight or support the war. However, they remained steadfast in their convictions and continued to work for peace, even in the face of adversity. Collaboration and cooperation: Quakers worked together with other groups and organizations to promote peace and alleviate suffering during World War II. For example, they collaborated with the American Friends Service Committee and other relief organizations to provide aid to refugees and other victims of the war. Humanitarianism and compassion: Quakers demonstrated their humanitarianism and compassion by providing relief to those affected by the war, regardless of their nationality or political beliefs. They worked tirelessly to provide aid to those in need, and their efforts helped to alleviate suffering and promote healing. In summary, we can learn a great deal from the Quakers during World War II, particularly their commitment to nonviolence, courage in the face of opposition, collaboration and cooperation, and humanitarianism and compassion. These lessons can be applied to many situations in life, and they remain just as relevant today as they were during the war.

GALLERY

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