The Nazi propaganda against Jews was diverse, from blood-libel demonization to perverse petty gripes. A key plank of the propaganda was that the Jewish “race” were lazy, resorting to dishonesty to make money. The Nazi party grew in popularity at a time of severe economic depression and when Germany was still paying a heavy price in reparations for the First World War. Study of Weimer Republic elections show that the Nazis appealed particularly to small town, church-going Protestant, lower middle-class voters. Urban working-class voters were more likely to vote Socialist or Communist.
Anti-Semitism has existed and prevailed for centuries in Europe. Profiting from the people's anger during the depression, the Nazi's carefully stoked these small town prejudices against Jewish people.
When Jews were being sent to concentration and extermination camps the public were told they were being sent to work camps. The image above is the famous entrance to Auschwitz, stating “Arbeit Macht Frei” - work makes you free. The vast majority of those sent to the camps were either exterminated or worked to death.
Below is an example of Nazi propaganda about Jewish laziness.
11.Dislike of Physical Labor: One of Jewry's particular characteristics is a dislike of physical labor. His physical appearance alone did not predestine him to physical labor. But as the result of generations of inbreeding and of his racial mixture, the Jew made this his goal. He would rather trade, leaving work to others. His Talmud doctrines assisted him...
There will always be a minority with extreme views but unfortunately there are also times when extreme views are popular amongst the majority. To remember the Holocaust is to remember that Hitler grew in power through the ballot box. This is an uncomfortable fact for all of us who believe in democracy. It is therefore essential that we continually challenge politician's negative opinions about minority and disadvantaged groups by asking for evidence to justify their opinions.