During the Spanish Civil War, thousands of men and women from many nations came to fight against fascism in our country. Among them were communist militants organized by European parties, others were anarchists inspired by libertarian ideas seen in Catalonia and Aragon, and many democrats who could not stand the rise of authoritarianism in Europe. Their arrival marked a global solidarity against oppression and a shared commitment to a cause that resonated far beyond borders.
In 1936, fascist regimes controlled both Italy and Germany, often punishing those who opposed the political and social orders imposed by their leaders. In Italy, the Duce Benito Mussolini led a regime that suppressed dissent, while in Germany, Adolf Hitler established a dictatorship that shaped policies across a continent. This history matters because it formed the backdrop against which volunteers joined the Spanish struggle, seeking to halt the spread of dictatorship and defend human rights.
Germany’s policies extended beyond political persecution. Large numbers of people were prosecuted for sexual orientation, religion, or ethnic and family origin. In concentration camps, prisoners were identified by colored triangles: pink for homosexuality, purple for Jehovah’s Witnesses, brown for Roma, and yellow combined with a symbol reminiscent of the Star of David for Jews. These details underscore the brutal methods employed by the regime in its attempt to erase diverse communities.
The warning signs appeared early. The first legal steps restricting Jewish rights came with the Public Administration Restoration Act, enacted in April 1933, which legitimized the expulsion of Jews from government service. Subsequent laws excluded Jews from various professions and limited Jewish representation in educational institutions. Two years later, the Nuremberg Laws barred marriages and intimate relationships with persons of German blood and curtailed many political rights. These measures foreshadowed the terror that followed.
Hitler’s support for Franco in the so‑called crusade is well documented. Nazi Germany supplied troops and military equipment to aid the rebels, and the intervention is widely believed to have altered the course of the conflict. In July 1936, experienced troops from Africa were available to assist, yet Franco lacked aircraft to move them to the peninsula. After weighing options, the Führer chose to send twenty Junkers Ju-52s to support the early stages of the war.
As a result, hundreds of Jews from various places chose to go to Spain to stand with the Republic, or more precisely, against those who aimed to destroy it. It is estimated that about five thousand men and women joined the International Brigades, a diverse force composed of people from different countries and political persuasions. One unit that often goes unremarked is the Botwin Company, also known as the Botwin Jewish Unit.
The exact size of the Botwin unit remains uncertain. Estimates range from eighty to nearly one hundred fifty volunteers. What is known is that they first fought on the Extremadura front, then in Aragon at the Belchite engagement, and finally at the Ebro, where Lluís Companys, the President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, offered a few words of support and recognition.
These volunteers established a Jewish-language newspaper in Yiddish, producing six issues and earning a reputation for courage across multiple fronts. Their nickname among comrades spoke of their fierce spirit: the red devils. In the trials of history, many of their names have faded, yet their memory endures as a testament to collective action and the power of solidarity in the face of oppression.
Their story serves as a reminder of the diverse coalitions that opposed fascism and defended the values of freedom and human dignity. Today, recalling their contributions helps illuminate how international volunteers, across different backgrounds, united to confront a common threat. The courage they displayed continues to inspire discussions about solidarity, resistance, and the enduring significance of standing up for democratic ideals.
In reflecting on this history, one sees not only the battles and battles won or lost, but also the human stories—the individuals who chose to risk everything for a principle they believed in. Their names— Alter Szerman, Karol Gutman, Jasza Zawidowicz, Moishe Rozenberg, Yosef Lipsman, Shamuel Shlosberg—echo as a tribute to those who refused to be silenced. The memory of their contributions and the broader struggle they joined remains a powerful reminder of the costs and the consequences of fighting for liberty and justice.
As Bertolt Brecht noted, these volunteers were indispensable. Their legacy invites continuous reflection on how international assistance, shared values, and steadfast resolve can shape the course of history and reaffirm the importance of defending human rights wherever they are threatened.