Thank you for rational conversation bozon.
To add on the subject, when i write about certain victim complex that poles feel those days when media accuse them of antisemitism - and usually tie it into before 1939 timeframe - it feels like being singled out. Russia had a far larger history of pogroms and antisemitism. Many other european countries treated their Jewish populations far worst. Yet if you go by news reporting those days - it seem that antisemitism was only present in nazi germany and pre-war Poland. That's all.
As for the antisemitism itself (and by no means am I trying to justify it - heck there is a pretty good chance I have Jewish ancestors on both sides of the family
) - large Jewish population at the time did not integrate well into its surroundings. They did not speak the language, they did not accept customs. Some of them refused the allegiance and service (some, many served honorably in Polish military forces). Many of them were educated above the norm - which caused much resentment. They often helped each other out - with same result.
Much of the similar behavior (and resentment of thereof) I was able to observe working in large corporation in USA in southwest Connecticut. I would guess that some parts of Brooklyn could also serve as good examples of ethnic tensions based on such differences.
Antisemitism ins't much different from anti-anyone else. If you really want to hate someone, you'll always find a way. More different they look/behave - the easier it will be.
