'Evil is working as it did in 1939:' A lesson from World War II that MUST be applied today

September 18, 2015

WRITER

In May 1939, a group of 900 refugees boarded the S.S. St. Louis in Hamburg, Germany, destined for Havana, Cuba. Facing death in the Old World, an escape to the New World was now their only hope. They scraped together what little funds they had and purchased tourist visas in Cuba, hoping to eventually make their way to the United States once quotas increased.

When the Cuban government refused to let them in, the ship desperately turned north to the land of the free. The lights of the Miami were visible. The hope and freedom and life, literally, was in their sight. But Roosevelt said he wouldn't allow them in either. The Coast Guard was dispatched to keep these criminals at bay.

The thought of returning to Germany and Europe was too much for many. Some committed suicide. As the S.S. St. Louis sailed back to Europe, an American Jewish relief organization acted at the last minute, purchasing visas for the 900 refugees for various countries in Europe. At least they wouldn't go back to Germany.

On June 17th, the S.S. St. Louis docked in Belgium, where the Jewish refugees were scattered. The world never heard from half of them after that. As the Nazis swept through western Europe, the Nazis took most of them into the concentration camps.

After telling this story on radio Friday, Glenn urged listeners to think about that story as it relates to the Syrian refugee crisis today.

"We're not talking about refugees. We're not talking about migrants," Glenn said. "We are talking about those who are Christians - are provable Christians - who are provable, that are being hunted by the state. And they're asking for asylum."

Watch Glenn's powerful monologue below.

Below is a rush transcript of this segment, it might contain errors.

GLENN: When there are Jews on a boat and they have been marked for death, they're not refugees. They're not immigrants. They're not migrants. They are seeking asylum. There is a difference between a refugee and those who are seeking asylum. Refugees are those who are going to go back. Refugees should be kept as close to their homeland because once the slaughtering stops, they go back to their homeland.

But, see, the Middle East knows, that doesn't happen in the Middle East. Once they're there, they're there permanently. We are taking whole Somali communities and we're saying that they're refugees. And the State Department is just dropping them in places like Minneapolis. If you go to Minnesota, it is a dramatically different place than it was ten years ago.

We're not talked about refugees. We're not talking about migrants. We are talking about those who are Christians, are provable Christians. Who are provable that they're being hunted by the state. And they're asking for asylum.

In Birmingham, I announced the Nazarene Fund to help rescue the Christians in the Middle East. They're facing exactly the same circumstances that those 900 Jews that boarded the St. Louis faced. They are at risk of death. If they stay, they will die. But they also are risking death if they try to flee to Europe because it's out of control now.

The world -- it's very easy to say, "Auxiliary we're going to disrupt this. Oh, we're going to support the Muslim Brotherhood. Oh, we're going to support the uprising in Syria." It's very easy to support those things. But now we're seeing the consequences. The ones that we warned of. The Nazarene Fund has now raised 7.5 -- I think it's $7.56 million. That's in three weeks. That's never happened before. Just two days I've been asking you to match the $37 -- what is it -- 37.32. We had a veteran try to -- he gave us his savings for the last few months, and he gave it all in change. And it was $37.32. And I said, "Could you just match that?" We have gotten this from children opening up their piggy banks. We have gotten this from people who are just trying to just -- they don't have a lot. We have raised just in two days $70,000 just from people matching 37.32, or less. People are doing bake sales. People want to help provide asylum.

We now have identified over 400 families. I have to have a conversation. I was hoping to have a conversation with you today. But I can't until probably next week.

And I have to be very careful of my language because I have now heard that we are, at least, the most famous effort to save these Christians. And every word that I speak could be a death sentence to people. And so I have to be very, very careful. But I also have to be very careful with you. This is an extraordinary responsibility. And I want you to know that we have looked at this money -- this is God's money. This is money that you didn't give to me. You didn't give to my company. You gave to Mercury One. But you want to make sure that it is going exactly to the right place and that we're saving the right people.

The pressure is enormous. And I would ask for your prayers. We are traveling to -- my staff is traveling to the Middle East soon. I can't give you any more details on this. But evil is working as it did in 1939.

These families are now delayed due to the vicious propaganda machine that is working in Europe and the rest of the world. Suddenly, they are not people escaping death, they are criminals, they are terrorists, and they're invaders.

We don't have the quotas here. We can't take anymore. We can't help them. The world is turning away the S.S. St. Louis. Now, I want you to understand, that it's not the same. Those who are refugees, those who are Muslim, it is not the same as those who seek asylum because they have been marked to death because of their Christianity.

I want to thank you. I want to thank the most amazing radio audience literally in the history of, I believe, this medium. I have never seen anything like this in the 35 years of broadcast that I have done. I've never witnessed an audience like this. This now has taken on a life of its own. And I know how much heat you're getting. And I know how much trust you're giving to me. And believe me, I know the forces of darkness, and I know the forces of the -- we fight more than flesh and bone, but we also fight flesh and bone.

There is a great propaganda campaign going on right now against this effort. And they're trying to make this into, "Glenn Beck wants to just scoop up a bunch of Muslims and bring them here." I never said that I would smuggle anyone in. I never said -- we take this responsibility. I am with you. I understand the security of the United States of America. Do you not think that we've had serious conversations in saying, "We cannot let one bad guy in. Not one." And not for any other reason other than, one bad guy dooms every other Christian in the Middle East to death. No one will ever take anyone. Do you know how much sleep my staff has lost?

My staff, some of them are currently over in the Middle East now. Some day when this is all over, I will share their emails. And I will share their concerns. And I will share their in the middle of the night getting up and crying and sweeping after hearing the stories, and Sophie's Choice, I can't help that person.

If you will, I'm not asking you to donate or anything today. If you'd like to, you can do it at now.mercuryone.org. Here's the one thing I would like to ask you for, is your prayers. Please, pray for the spirit to guide. Pray for the spirit to keep our hearts soft, and pray for miracles to happen. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the S.S. St. Louis.

Featured Image: Migrants board trains and buses at the train station in Beli Manastir, near Hungarian border on September 18, 2015 in Beli Manastir, Croatia. Officials are saying that they had no choice than to close eight road border crossings yesterday after more than 11,000 people entered the country since Hungary fenced off its border with Serbia earlier this week. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

Stock Montage / Contributor, Xinhua News Agency / Contributor | Getty Images

I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

Aldara Zarraoa / Contributor | Getty Images

Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

Yawar Nazir / Contributor | Getty Images

In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

LOUAI BESHARA / Contributor | Getty Images

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

Hugh Kinsella Cunningham / Stringer | Getty Images

In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor | Getty Images

Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

Chip Somodevilla / Staff | Getty Images

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

Global Images Ukraine / Contributor | Getty Images

Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

Handout / Handout | Getty Images

While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

Glenn's Show Prep