Throughout history, the choices made by leaders and individuals have shaped the course of events, leaving lasting imprints on societies and future generations. Reflecting on these choices, I’m struck by how recent initiatives, like those from the Sousa Mendes Foundation and Lockdown University, bring these powerful narratives into our lives. Through talks, film screenings, and historical explorations, these organizations illuminate the profound complexities of power, compassion, and ethical responsibilities—timeless themes that resonate deeply with me.
John Loftus: Unraveling CIA Archives and Hidden Narratives
One of the most astonishing revelations I encountered recently was a YouTube presentation by John Loftus, a former Irish-American military man, lawyer, and author. Loftus shared his incredible journey through CIA archives in search of Nazis in America, uncovering documents deliberately misfiled to remain hidden. As I watched, I found myself both shocked and fascinated by the story he unravelled—one that connects deeply with our understanding of leadership and the moral choices of those in power.
Loftus delves into the financing of the Nazi party by a U.S. bank led by Prescott Bush, father of Bush Senior and grandfather of George W. Bush. The narrative unfolds with August Thyssen, the patriarch of the German Thyssen coal and steel industry, who, dismayed by the reparations imposed on his enterprise after World War I, sought to protect his family’s wealth. To achieve this, Thyssen established three banks in different countries, with the Union Banking Corporation (UBC) in New York being overseen by the Bush family. This story of hidden wealth, power, and moral ambiguity left me questioning how financial interests can override ethical considerations—a dilemma that continues to be relevant today.
What struck me most was how, despite the U.S. government seizing the Thyssen bank in New York in 1942, the family’s wealth endured through strategic transfers and cover-ups, aided by their American lawyer, Foster Dulles. It’s a chilling reminder that wealth often correlates with increased power but doesn’t always translate into ethical leadership.
In 1959, Thyssen’s widow Amélie and daughter Anita Gräfin Zichy-Thyssen established the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, committing 100 million Deutschmarks to advancing science and the humanities—perhaps an act of penance. This decision, in contrast to the earlier pursuit of wealth, reflects a shift towards using power and resources for the greater good. This theme resonates with the obligations of leadership.
Relevance to Today’s World
As I listened to Loftus, I couldn’t help but think about today’s world, where similar ethical dilemmas continue to arise. How often do financial interests still override moral considerations? How do we, as individuals, hold leaders accountable for their actions? It’s a reminder that we must remain vigilant and question the motivations behind the decisions that shape our societies.
Obligations of Kingship in Israel
These reflections bring me to the ancient wisdom found in The Book of Deuteronomy, which outlines the duties and restrictions of a king:
“The king must not get more and more horses for himself… he must not make himself rich with silver and gold… he must learn to completely obey everything the law commands. Then the king will not think that he is better than any of his own people…” (Deuteronomy 17:16-20)
This passage powerfully reminds us that authentic leadership is about humility and service to others. It’s a timeless lesson that seems as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago—a guidepost for ethical leadership in our world, where power can often lead to corruption.
The Filipino Sanctuary: Quezon’s Open Door Policy
Another story of leadership during World War II deeply moved me, showcased in Noel Izon’s documentary “Open Door” (2018). The Sousa Mendes Foundation recently screened this film, revealing the inspiring story of German Jewish refugees finding refuge in the Philippines in the 1930s.
President Manuel L. Quezon’s Open Door Policy, in partnership with U.S. High Commissioner Paul V. McNutt, provided visas to roughly 1,300 German Jewish emigrants—a courageous and compassionate act at a time when few nations were willing to open their doors to Jews fleeing Nazi oppression. This story, unknown to many, made me reflect on the power of individual choices in shaping the lives of others. The existing Jewish community in the Philippines raised the necessary funds to resettle these families, who quickly integrated into Filipino society. Many resumed their native professions and endured the Japanese occupation alongside the Filipino people until the American liberation of the islands. Their resilience, alongside the generosity of the Filipino people, is a testament to the enduring human spirit.
Jewish Responses to Crisis: Benevolence and Solidarity
During times of crisis, Jewish communities worldwide have consistently responded with open hearts and homes to those in need. This tradition of “shivyon shiurim,” or the freeing of captive enslaved people, continues to be a cornerstone of Jewish values—a reminder that our responsibility to others transcends time and place.
In our own time, it is heartening to see Canadian private donors and charitable organizations within the Jewish community and beyond stepping up to support Ukrainian refugees. Six months ago, during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Montreal Rabbis Reuven Poupko and Adam Schier visited the Polish-Ukraine border to assess the needs of fleeing refugees. Their efforts, along with Israel’s proactive presence at the border, exemplify the enduring commitment to helping those in crisis.
As the Jerusalem Post notes, Israel has welcomed nearly 33,000 Ukrainian refugees, with many in the process of making aliyah. This stark contrast with the U.S.’s approach to refugee resettlement highlights the varying responses of nations to humanitarian crises, prompting us to reflect on our own roles in supporting those in need.
Learning from the Past
As I navigate the challenges and ethical dilemmas of our times, I often find myself looking to the stories of leadership and choices from the past for guidance. The decisions of leaders undoubtedly shape our collective destiny, but it’s the actions of ordinary individuals—people like you and me—that truly shape the tapestry of our shared humanity. These stories remind us that our choices can make a difference, no matter how small. And that, perhaps, is the most important lesson of all.
So, I ask you: What kind of leader will you be? How will you reflect the values that matter most to you in your choices, big or small? Let these stories inspire you to lead with compassion, integrity, and courage. Our world needs more leaders who understand that true power lies not in wealth or influence but in the ability to make ethical and compassionate choices.
Footnote
- Lockdown University, www.lockdownuniversity.org. Email info@lockdownuniversity.org for enrollment and inclusion in the weekly mailing list.