A city anti-Nazi group's bold matchbook ad

In 1933, after Hitler came to power in Germany, an organization that would eventually be called the Non-Sectarian Anti-Nazi League to Champion Human Rights was formed.

The West 47th Street–based group’s goal: to convince Americans of all backgrounds to join in a total boycott of Germany.

This powerful matchbook cover advertisement plainly makes the case.

Throughout the 1930s, the boycott movement gathered steam, according to jewishvirtuallibrary.org.

“In January 1939 dissolution of the B’nai B’rith in Germany moved its American counterpart to join the boycott movement,” states one entry.

“However, the American Jewish Committee remained unalterably opposed to the movement throughout the Nazi era.

“In the United States, a non-belligerent until Pearl Harbor, the boycott was continued until 1941.”

Inside of the matchbook, it reads: “Help End the Nazi Dictatorship by becoming a member of the Non-Sectarian Anti-Nazi League.”

I have no idea how many people did.

Tags: American Jewish Committee, anti-Nazi boycotts, boycott Germany 1933, Hitler 1933, Jewish World Library, Jews fighting Nazis, New York in the 1930s, New York Jews, Non-Sectarian Anti-Nazi League, Pearl Harbor, US before World War II