Gangsters vs. Nazis

How Jewish Mobsters Battled Nazis in Wartime America

By: Michael Benson

Narrated by: Gabriel Vaughan

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

As Adolph Hitler rose to power in 1930s Germany, a growing wave of fascism began to take root on American soil. Nazi activists started to gather in major American cities, and by 1933, there were more than one hundred anti-Semitic groups operating openly in the United States. Few Americans dared to speak out or fight back—until an organized resistance of notorious mobsters waged their own personal war against the Nazis in their midst. Gangland-style . . .

In this thrilling blow-by-blow account, acclaimed crime writer Michael Benson uncovers the shocking truth about the insidious rise of Nazism in America—and the Jewish mobsters who stomped it out.

Packed with surprising, little-known facts, graphic details, and unforgettable personalities, Gangsters vs. Nazis chronicles the mob's most ruthless tactics in taking down fascism-inspiring ordinary Americans to join them in their fight. The book culminates in one of the most infamous events of the pre-war era-the 1939 Nazi rally in Madison Square Garden—in which law-abiding citizens stood alongside hardened criminals to fight for the soul of a nation. This is the story of the mob that's rarely told—and one of the most fascinating chapters in American history. And American organized crime.

©2022 Michael Benson (P)2022 Tantor

Great Account of Nazi History Unknown To Many Americans

Well-told story of how gangsters took on Nazi infiltration into America before the U.S. entered WWII. You will be surprised how Nazis had infiltrated our neighborhoods.

Surprising Nazi fighters in the US

Interesting history we never really knew. The narration a bit like Gang Busters on radio.

Great ENJOYABLE Historic Rendition

Loved this book. Highly recommend it. Read with an easy to listen to reader.

The commitment and respect for the religion of the people and the USA.

A plus! Really shaped the next generation and openness that is required to gain a foothold even as a Jewish.

Maybe violence is the answer

If you stories about Nazis getting beaten up then you’ll love this. Also for fans of mobsters.

Fun book. Lots of interesting anecdotes.

If you are looking for a scholarly analysis of how Jewish gangsters fought American Nazis throughout the 1930s, you won’t really find that here. The book is well researched, with lots of interesting stories pulled from a lot of good primary sources, and it is – more than anything else – FUN. If you want to read about Jews busting Nazi ass across the country, this is your book. If you want a discussion of the merits of such an approach, or an analysis of the attempts by both private citizens and the government to stymie others’ speech, well, this isn’t really your book. It’s a little bit like the time the white nationalist Richard Spencer was punched in the face on camera. Is it legal? No. Is it a good way to resolve conflict? Also no. Does it draw more attention to him than ignoring him? Probably. But…is it funny? Yes.

If you take too much time to think about what happens when people resort to violence when they disagree with what other people say, you’ll quickly find a lot of theoretical problems arising from the actions in this book. If you want that type of intellectual analysis, it is absolutely not in this book. BUT the book is so fun to read, especially if you are Jewish or interested in Jewish American life in the early half of the twentieth century. You’ll read about judicial corruption, violence, riots, and other issues, and (if you are looking for an action-packed literary good time) you’ll find yourself rooting for all of it.

If you listen to the audiobook, the narrator is perfect for the book. He’s a good reader, with no notable vocal affects to drive you nuts, and he sounds as if he’s enjoying the material too. Highly recommend.

delightful

This book was so fun. I listened to it with my mom who grew up in NYC and who's father grew up in poverty in Manhattan. She found the whole thing super nostalgic, and I loved the film noir style.
we both got a kick out of Jews kicking Nazi ass.

Greatest war story nobody knows

Michael Benson uses 1930’s era colloquialisms in the narrative to transport readers back to a time when fascism nearly seduced Americans to destroy democracy and where the Jewish mob punched back and taught American Nazis that it wasn’t safe to spew anti-semitism.

Well researched and detailed history covering an American Jewish perspective as Hitler gained power in Europe.

In late ‘30s USA, the Nazi message found an eager audience. With a little bit of encouragement from a New York judge, Jewish Organized crime bosses felt it was their civic duty to silence Nazis and help a fearful Jewish community stand up to the hate being sold to the rest of the country.

Reads more like a good noir novel than a typical historical treatise, one wonders why Benson’s Gangsters vs Nazis is not already an epic Spielberg blockbuster.

Gabriel Vaughan brings the text to life with his no holds barred gruff narration.

The only bad thing about Gangsters vs Nazis is that the book eventually comes to a conclusion.

It ends reminding the reader that repackaged Nazis are still with us using the same gimmicks and tropes that were used in the ‘30s. Without the Jewish mob, does Americans and especially Jewish Americans have what it takes to take down today’s threats

Amazing History

I completely enjoyed the story! The "gangsters" definitely stood up, spoke up, and defended themselves.

Clear, entertaining, fascinating

This was a great listen, I drive for a living and didn’t find myself losing focus or or missing any of it like I do some other history books.