The Minuteman

De: Greg Donahue

Narrado por: Jonathan Davis

Declaring war on homegrown Nazis…in Newark, New Jersey.

Join writer and documentary producer Greg Donahue as he explores the history of domestic Nazis on the brink of World War II and the Jewish mobsters who stood up to them in this gripping, true-life audiobook.

In the early 1930s, pro-Nazi groups popped up across America, attempting to drum up support among recent immigrants for the fascist movement back in Europe. By 1939, a massive rally of some 20,000 homegrown Nazi supporters was held in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. While across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey, the town’s large German population stepped up Nazi recruitment activity. Pro-fascist groups staged parades, screened anti-Semitic films, and organized boycotts of Jewish businesses and politicians throughout the city. Complicating matters, Newark was also the epicenter of the Jewish mob.

Abner 'Longie' Zwillman, known as the "Al Capone of New Jersey", had made a fortune in gambling, bootlegging, racketeering, and controlled the city’s ports and police force. Not surprisingly, this powerful Jewish gangster took exception to the Nazi’s anti-Semitic platform. In response, Zwillman helped organize a group of ex-boxers, factory workers, and students to defend the city’s Jewish interests. The group dubbed themselves the Minutemen - ready at a moment’s notice - and took to breaking up Nazi gatherings using an intimidating combination of stink bombs, baseball bats, brass knuckles, and pure chutzpah.

Greg Donahue’s The Minuteman tells the story of one of Newark’s native sons - ex-prizefighter and longtime Zwillman enforcer Sidney Abramowitz, aka Nat Arno - who took over leadership of the Minutemen in 1934 and made it his personal business to put an end to what he saw as the homegrown Nazi movement’s "anti-American" activities. For six years, Arno and his crew of vigilantes battled Newark’s Nazis at every turn. The Minuteman is a story of the ethics of violence in the face of fascism - a forgotten legacy that is as relevant now as it was nearly a hundred years ago.

Photos Included in Cover Art Courtesy of the Jewish Historical Society of New Jersey - Warren Grover Collection

©2019 Greg Donahue (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

History I Didn’t Know

Fascinating! I always enjoy learning new things and this story was definitely enlightening. A short and riveting listen.

A good audiobook

It is a well written book. However, it seems to paint modern ANTIFA ( a group that reduces the term Nazi to anyone that they disagree with) in a similar light.

great documentary

it was an interesting read. I was unaware of the German and Jewish struggles in America during World War II. Not something you are taught about in school.

Fascinating history of Jewish Resistance to Nazis

I liked this book because I had no idea a) the Nazi movement was so, if briefly, popular, and b) there was an active resistance to their propaganda! Considering the rise of anti-semitism in this country and all over the world, this book is a primer and inspiration for fighting the bad guys on their level: with violence!

good

I found it quite interesting, it seems a little bit rushed, I could have listened more about the story and what happened to Arno

Anti-Nazi Opposition in Pre-WW2 NJ

Fascinating look at (sometimes violent) tactics and mindset of a group opposing Nazis in pre-WWII, and their colorful leader.

informative

the narration was really good and easy to listen to. the history of this story is one I've never heard before. glad to have learned about this. short book for a business trip. perfect.

Timely Story Applicable Today

Terrific history lesson about radicalism in US and a group of Americans who fought against it. Though the story focuses on a Jewish identity boxer leading a "violent" battle against racism and hatred, a norm in our history, the story does highlight how radical ideals often get clothed in American values.
Narration is outstanding as is the narratve!
Well worth the time!

I had no idea there was a Nazi movement in the United States prior to World War II

This is an amazing, morally disturbing story about a man practicing Jew who took on Americas Nazis in the 1930s and through World War II. Eye-opening and thought-provoking. Provides insights into a period of time sadly parallel to where our society seems to be today. I believe it is helpful to recognize that many of the things we see in American civil society today are parallel to events of the not-so-distant past.

an overall excellent book I would recommend

an excellent narrative and a captivating story line. I would suggest to anyone to listen to it