The number 6 million has been a significant figure in Jewish history, particularly tied to the Holocaust, but it also appears in other contexts, both before and after World War II. Let me break down some instances where 6 million has appeared, outside the Holocaust context, and whether it holds symbolic significance to Jewish people.

1. Before the Holocaust:

The reference to 6 million Jews was used even before the Holocaust, particularly in reports concerning the plight of European Jews. For example:

Pre-Holocaust Appeals: Prior to the outbreak of World War II, Jewish organizations like the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and World Jewish Congress (WJC) used the figure of 6 million in their appeals to raise awareness of the growing persecution of Jews in Nazi-occupied Europe. Jewish organizations in the 1930s and 1940s often used "6 million" as a statistic to reflect the number of Jews under threat in Eastern Europe due to Nazi policies and anti-Semitic violence.

Historical Jewish Population Estimates: The Jewish population worldwide in the early 20th century was approximately 16–17 million, with a significant portion of that living in Eastern Europe. Estimates of Jewish populations in specific areas (like Poland or Russia) sometimes used the "6 million" figure, reflecting the vulnerability of Jews in those regions.

The 6 Million Mentioned in Media: The idea of "6 million" as a figure associated with Jewish suffering and struggle was also used in the media in the U.S. around the time of World War I and before WWII. The New York Times and other newspapers in the 1910s and 1920s referred to this number in discussions about Jewish refugees and the dire conditions for Jews in Eastern Europe, often focusing on poverty, discrimination, and the threat of violence.

2. Post-Holocaust Use of 6 Million:

After the Holocaust, the number "6 million" became a defining symbol for the magnitude of Jewish loss during the genocide, but it has also been used in various post-war contexts to draw attention to other Jewish struggles.

Symbol of Loss and Identity: For many Jews, the number 6 million represents not just the sheer scale of the Holocaust but also a symbol of the collective trauma, loss, and resilience of the Jewish people. It’s used in Holocaust remembrance and education to ensure the magnitude of the genocide is not forgotten.

Political Symbolism and Advocacy: Jewish organizations and advocacy groups sometimes use the figure of 6 million to emphasize the ongoing need to protect Jewish communities worldwide. The 6 million is occasionally invoked in debates about anti-Semitism, protection of Israel, and the preservation of Jewish history. For instance, during debates on anti-Semitism or Holocaust denial, the figure often serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable cultural and human losses.

Demographic Significance: The figure is also used in demographic discussions about the Jewish population, especially when talking about the recovery of Jewish life post-Holocaust. Before WWII, the global Jewish population was approximately 16 million, and after the Holocaust, the global Jewish population was estimated to be about 11 million, with 6 million being the number commonly cited as those lost during the genocide. This comparison underscores the deep impact the Holocaust had on Jewish communities worldwide.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5857021&forum_id=2],#49832506)

The other interesting thing is that concentration camps were only "death camps" if the Soviets found them (and declared them as such out of whole cloth.)

No one is actually arguing that jews weren't mistreated or put in camps during the war. Or even that many jews died. But the number is way lower than 6 million and huge numbers of deaths were from supply lines being destroyed during the war.

We interned the Japanese, but had no threat of invasion at home. So the Japanese got to play baseball in peace and not starve.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5857021&forum_id=2],#49832744)

https://www.xoxohth.com/thread.php?thread_id=3779468&mc=52&forum_id=2

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5857021&forum_id=2],#49832754)

https://www.clemensandblair.com/catalog/eternal-strangers

May order these for my dissident book collection

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5857021&forum_id=2],#49832553)