Between Heimat and hatred

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In the decades following German unification and the Weimar Republic's decline, German Jewry grappled with their collective and individual identities amidst legal emancipation, persistent antisemitism, and the rise of movements like Zionism and Socialism. Many found liberalism and Socialism appealing, while others were drawn to conservative parties. This study examines German Jews' involvement in right-leaning ventures, including agricultural settlements, military participation, and right-of-center politics. These activities created a complex web of social and political affiliations that were neither entirely conservative nor liberal. Motivated by a genuine love for their German Heimat and their middle-class backgrounds, these Jews sought to counter antisemitic stereotypes of rootlessness and cosmopolitanism. Central to the inquiry is the tension between self-defense and patriotism, questioning how long German Jews could align with right-wing views without being seen as extreme. The author identifies key moments when Jewish participants in conservative projects became marginalized. Notably, the transformation of the German Right coincided with a period of republican stabilization, as mainstream politics shifted away from the ethnic concepts of the Weimar era. This study contributes to understanding Jewish nationalism, regional identity, and the often-overlooked role of Jews in illiberal projects, offering new insights into both