It is curious that Nazi, and Nazi are pronounced the same yet have such contrasting meanings. In Biblical Hebrew, Nazi can refer to an important person, such as a tribal chief, king, or head of a large family. Originating from the nesi'im, which were leaders of the people in the wilderness who were sent to spy out the land and bring gifts and sacrifices to the tabernacle. The meaning of the word changed over time to denote Prince, political leadership, or high social status. Members of the political party that controlled Germany under Adolf Hitler called themselves "Nazi," short for "Nationalsozialist." In the sixteenth century. Doña Gracia Nasi, was a formidable figure in Jewish history. Some others were, Hillel ha Nasi, Yehuda ha Nasi, also many Jewish leaders in Babylon held the title, Nasi. Considering how Catholic Germany was, did they not see the similarity? 392
Did you know" That in the early 20th century, some Zionist figures, including Theodor Herzl, considered Argentina as a possible homeland for Jews. Herzl believed that Jews were a nation, not a religious community, and that the only way to end antisemitism was for Jews to leave Europe and establish their own national homeland. Argentina's constitution at the time welcomed European immigration, and it had a Catholic population, two factors which may have influenced Herzl's thinking. However, Herzl eventually concluded that the Jewish masses of Eastern Europe would only support a homeland in the Land of Israel. Instead, many Nazi war criminals and sympathizers fled to Catholic Argentina after World War II to escape prosecution. These escape routes were called "ratlines" and led to havens in the Americas, especially Argentina. Argentina is also the homeland of our beloved Pope Francis. 394
Did you know" That in the early 20th century, some Zionist figures, including Theodor Herzl, considered Argentina as a possible homeland for Jews. Herzl believed that Jews were a nation, not a religious community, and that the only way to end antisemitism was for Jews to leave Europe and establish their own national homeland. Argentina's constitution at the time welcomed European immigration, and it had a Catholic population, two factors which may have influenced Herzl's thinking. However, Herzl eventually concluded that the Jewish masses of Eastern Europe would only support a homeland in the Land of Israel. Instead, many Nazi war criminals and sympathizers fled to Catholic Argentina after World War II to escape prosecution. These escape routes were called "ratlines" and led to havens in the Americas, especially Argentina. 394
