The photograph was taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt, a Jewish photographer, during a speech by Goebbels in Berlin. In the photograph, Goebbels glares directly at Eisenstaedt, who had just informed him of his Jewish heritage. The photograph captures a moment of pure hatred and loathing, and it would become an iconic image of the Nazi regime and its hatred toward Jewish people.
Joseph Goebbels was a crucial figure in the Nazi party and played a critical role in Adolf Hitler’s rise to power. As the Minister of Propaganda, Goebbels was responsible for shaping the Nazi message and controlling the media. He was a ruthless and manipulative figure who used propaganda to fan the flames of anti-Semitism and stoke the fires of hatred toward Jewish people.
Goebbels fervently believed in Nazi ideology and was convinced Jews were responsible for all of Germany’s problems. He played a central role in the persecution and murder of millions of Jewish people during the Holocaust, and he was known for his fiery speeches and ability to rouse the crowds.
Alfred Eisenstaedt was a renowned photographer who worked for LIFE magazine during the 1930s and 1940s. He was born in Germany, but his family emigrated to the United States when he was a teenager. Eisenstaedt returned to Germany in 1933 to cover the rise of the Nazi regime, and it was during this time he took the Eyes of Hate photograph.
Eisenstaedt had managed to secure press credentials to cover one of Goebbels’ speeches, and he was in the audience when Goebbels took the stage. After the speech, Eisenstaedt approached Goebbels to take his picture. At this point, he informed Goebbels of his Jewish heritage, which led to the chilling reaction captured in the Eyes of Hate photograph.
Goebbels’ hatred towards Jewish people was well-known, and he would have undoubtedly felt disgusted and betrayed by the fact that a Jewish photographer had taken his picture. The photograph captures a moment of pure rage and hatred and serves as a reminder of the horrific crimes committed by the Nazi regime.
