Summary: January 7, 2013 – New York – The AJC weekly radio messages are broadcast on the CBS radio network, before The Osgood File. All AJC radio commentaries since 2001 are available at www.ajc.org/radiocommentary. The full text of this week’s commentary follows: Eighty years ago this month, a momentous event occurred. Its repercussions are still felt. In January 1933, Hitler became Germany’s Chancellor. At the time, few people saw the coming danger. One person who did was Winston Churchill. And to this day, the world owes Churchill an immense debt of gratitude. In those years, he stood largely alone. He was constantly vilified and mocked for predicting Hitler’s aggression. His detractors were in politics, the media, universities. If you’re going to read one book this year, I’d urge that it be William Manchester’s extraordinary account of Churchill between 1932 and 1940. Tellingly, the author entitles it “Alone,” referring to Churchill’s isolation. Every generation needs a Churchill, who sees what others can’t or won’t – and who speaks up courageously and eloquently. Bless his memory. Visit ajc.org. This is David Harris of AJC.
