Noam Dromi discusses Gangsters vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in WW2 Era America by Michael Benson

We’re excited to chat with Noam Dromi about Gangsters vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in WW2 Era America. Check out our conversation below.

Noam, thanks for joining us again, we really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and insights about Gangsters vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in WW2 Era America. Let’s start with a quick summary to bring everyone up to speed.
“Gangsters vs. Nazis: How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in WW2 Era America” by Michael Benson is a fascinating dive into an unexpected part of American history. The book explores how a group of Jewish gangsters—names you might recognize, like Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel—teamed up to counter the growing Nazi influence in America during the lead-up to World War II. Rather than the typical ‘mob story,’ it’s really a look at how these men used their underground influence for a cause: protecting Jewish communities in the U.S. at a time when Nazi sympathizers were holding rallies and spreading hate across the country. It’s less about glorifying violence and more about shedding light on an unlikely resistance movement that wasn’t discussed much publicly.

Wonderful, so can you talk to us in more detail about why this book resonates with you?
Gangsters vs. Nazis resonates profoundly with me, especially given the concerning rise in antisemitism today. As a Jewish storyteller involved in Jewish arts and culture, the book’s historical accounts feel like a poignant call to vigilance. The Jewish mobsters’ commitment to standing up to Nazi sympathizers—risking their lives to confront hate on American soil—is a powerful reminder of resilience and the need to protect our communities.

One particularly memorable account in the book is Myron Sugerman’s recollection of the “Nazi wars” in Newark, where Jewish mobsters like his father fought back against hate-filled Nazi rallies. The mobsters were seen as protectors of their neighborhoods, stepping in where law enforcement failed, which allowed their communities to feel safer​.

Through this lens, I’m reminded of the importance of telling stories that strengthen cultural pride and resilience. Sharing Jewish narratives from all eras is essential, especially those that emphasize courage against oppression. For me, this book serves as both a historical record and an encouragement to remain vigilant, fostering the same kind of solidarity through storytelling today.

What are some of the key dilemmas this book brings to light?
The book presents a set of powerful dilemmas that speak to both ethical and societal challenges. One major dilemma is the question of justice versus legality. Jewish gangsters like Meyer Lansky and his allies felt compelled to confront the Nazi threat physically, yet this meant taking the law into their own hands. For them, the stakes—protecting Jewish communities from a rising tide of antisemitism—justified their actions, even if it put them on the wrong side of the law. This dilemma raises timeless questions about when, if ever, it’s justified to bypass legal structures to achieve justice, especially when those structures aren’t designed to protect marginalized groups.

Another dilemma is the moral complexity of using violence to oppose hate. The book makes it clear that these men, often viewed as criminals, became heroes in their communities by physically confronting Nazis. It challenges the reader to consider the fine line between defense and aggression and how this tension shapes our views on heroism and morality.

Finally, Gangsters vs. Nazis brings up a cultural dilemma about identity and assimilation. The Jewish gangsters in this book were American, yet the antisemitic fervor of the time made them feel like outsiders. They were torn between their American identity and their Jewish identity, and the book illustrates how the era’s political climate forced them to confront the question of loyalty in ways that are still relevant. These dilemmas are what make Gangsters vs. Nazis not just a historical account but also a thought-provoking reflection on the enduring struggle between justice, identity, and resilience.

How did you discover this book?
I discovered Gangsters vs. Nazis through my work at Reboot Studios, where I’m always on the lookout for compelling stories from Jewish history that reveal resilience, complexity, and often untold facets of the Jewish diaspora. Our mission at Reboot involves not only producing original Jewish stories but also inspiring others to connect with and amplify these narratives. This book stood out to me immediately because it dives into a part of American and Jewish history that’s both electrifying and crucial. It’s rare to find a story that blends themes of cultural pride, vigilance, and courage against hate, all while spotlighting figures who defy conventional stereotypes. For anyone working to bring stories of Jewish history to light, Gangsters vs. Nazis is a reminder of the vast, rich spectrum of experiences that make up the Jewish diaspora.

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