The Early Warning Voice Against the Nazi Regime
Dorothy Thompson, an extraordinary journalist, brilliantly exposed the growing threat of Hitler’s Nazi regime at a time when few were willing to listen. Even as early as 1920, as a foreign correspondent in Berlin, she observed and reported on the ominous rise of the Nazis. Her famous 1931 interview with Hitler, organized by his press secretary, revealed him to be uninspiring, yet dangerous, leading to her iconic piece, “I Saw Hitler!“—a courageous exposé that underlined his fiercely discriminatory policies.
An Exile’s Influence and Recognition
Despite her stark warnings, Dorothy Thompson herself did not foresee Hitler’s swift ascension to power in 1933. Her uncompromising stance led to her expulsion from Germany in 1934, a dramatic event that catapulted her to fame in the US. As a respected broadcaster during World War II, Thompson used her platform to shed light on the Jewish refugee crisis. Her voice, as described by her granddaughter Lesley Dorothy Lewis, was “feminine but fierce,” offering a unique perspective during those tumultuous times.
The Complexity of Zionism and a Shift in Advocacy
Post-WWII, Thompson’s dedication extended to advocating for a smaller but equally critical group—Palestinian refugees. Her visit to Palestine in 1945 opened her eyes to the displacement happening there. Her initial support for Zionism softened as she witnessed the parallel plight of displaced Palestinians, a stance that narrowed her job prospects and drew fierce criticism from American Zionist organizations. She courageously lent her voice to relief campaigns for Palestinians and founded the American Friends of the Middle East, but her challenges persisted.
Enduring Legacy Despite Adversity
Throughout her career, Dorothy Thompson remained true to her principles, advocating for justice and equity, whether it related to Jewish or Palestinian refugees. She boldly challenged conventional views, leading to her marginalization and eventual professional isolation. Nevertheless, her enduring commitment to universal moral principles and her fearless advocacy for marginalized voices solidify her legacy as one of history’s bravest journalists.
The story was produced by Mycah Hazel and the team at Radio Diaries. It was edited by Deborah George, Joe Richman, and Ben Shapiro. More stories are available on the Radio Diaries podcast.
According to Health News Florida, Dorothy Thompson’s life journey exemplifies the power of journalism in holding truth to power and shaping public discourse.
