Jew Count

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The Jew Count, or "Jewish Census" (German: Judenzählung) was a measure instituted by the German Military High Command in 1916, during the upheaval of World War I. As the course of events began to turn against Germany, many in the military were eager to find a scapegoat^{[citation needed]}; as had long been the case, the Jews provided an easy target. The Census was seen as a way to "prove" that Jews were betraying the Fatherland by shirking military service^{[citation needed]}. Ultimately the military found that not only were German Jews enthusiastically serving in the armed forces^{[citation needed]}, they were also volunteering in disproportionate numbers for front line duty.^{[citation needed]}

The episode marked a shocking moment for the Jewish community, which had passionately backed the War effort and displayed unparalleled patriotism^{[citation needed]}; many Jews saw it as an opportunity to prove their commitment to the German homeland.^{[citation needed]} Over 100,000 had served in the Army; 12,000 perished in battle, while another 35,000 were decorated for bravery.^{[citation needed]}

The fact that their fellow countrymen could so quickly and openly turn on them proved to be a source of major dismay for most German Jews, and the moment marked a point of rapid decline in German-Jewish relations^{[citation needed]}. Many could not believe that their reality conflicted so heavily with mainstream perceptions.^{[citation needed]} The episode also helped wean several young German Jews toward Zionism, as they began to realize that acceptance by German society was a lost cause.^{[citation needed]}