In 1939, at the beginning stages of WWII, the U.S. government was considering ways to relax immigration quotas and allow European setters (mostly German Jews) to come to Alaska as a way to develop America’s frontier. At that time a letter arrived in Washington, D.C., from Nazi Germany’s Bruno Rosenthal, the leader of the Jewish community in the town of Neustadt, Germany. He was requesting, on behalf of 30 men, women and children to immigrate to Alaska.
After interviewing a cross section of local leaders, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner printed an article with the conclusion in a headline atop the front page: “German Jews Unsuited For Alaska Settlers Is Prevailing View Here.” Their request was denied. All of these people died in the concentration camps.
In the last few years, there has been much work done in identificational repentance between the church and the Jewish community. Christians United for Israel Alaska has held events over the last three years. In 2009, an event, “A Night to Honor Israel” a pastor read the names of those who made the request and repented that Christians did not stand up. Then governor, Sarah Palin repented to the Jewish Community for the refused request in 1939. Governor Palin declared that Alaska would not close her doors to those needing refuge again and that Alaska would stand with the Nation of Israel. Inroads of communication and trust have been established with the Orthodox and the liberal Synagogues as well as the political lobbyist group, AIPAC.
Genesis 12:3 (Amplified Bible)
And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves].
Father,
We thank You for the blood of Your Son that covers the sins of those who fear You. Your unfailing love is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Bless the state of Alaska, we pray. Amen.
Psalm 103:11-12
