History of Sorts

Parole der Woche (“Slogan of the Week” or “Word of the Week”) was a wall newspaper published by the propaganda department of the Nazi Party from 1937 to 1943. On July 1, 1942, it posted the image seen above. The text says, “Whoever wears this sign is an enemy of our people.”

Something I always found strange because the majority of people wearing that badge were German, who just happened to be Jewish. So, who exactly was the enemy?

Here is a poem about that Yellow Star.

In days of shadow, dark and grim,
A symbol bore the weight of sin.
A star of David, yellow-bright,
In terror’s name, it marked the night.

Threads of gold in somber hue,
Stitched on hearts both brave and true.
A badge of shame, of cruel disdain,
Yet in its light, defiance gained.

In crowded streets where whispers roamed,
Where lives in fear and anguish moaned,
This star, it spoke of ancient ties,
Of faith that under hate survives.

Through ghettos bleak and camps of pain,
Where hope seemed lost, where tears like rain,
The yellow star, it stood its ground,
A silent scream without a sound.

Yet even in the darkest hour,
It held a strength, a hidden power.
For in its lines, a story told,
Of spirits free, of hearts bold.

It shone in eyes that would not break,
In prayers whispered for freedom’s sake.
A symbol twisted by the vile,
Became a beacon, mile by mile.

In memories and hearts it lives,
A testament to what it gives.
The star of David, yellow-bright,
A symbol now of endless light.