This video examines the complex relationship German Jews had with their homeland in the early 20th century, as assimilation seemed complete but the rise of Nazism brought catastrophe. It explores how over 150,000 German and Austrian Jews proudly served in World War 1, seeing themselves first as Germans. Even as Hitler rose to power, some embraced Nazism in misguided patriotism. During World War 2, soldiers like Ernst Prager fought at the front while Jews back home were deported. Only later did these veterans comprehend the evil of a regime that destroyed the very communities whose citizenship and blood they had once been granted. Through historical insights and illustrations, this video seeks to shed light on the tragic story of German Jews, so integrated yet so viciously expelled in the Holocaust. Ultimately it aims to demonstrate how nationalist fervor can blind even the most persecuted groups to looming threats against their own people.