Bernard Abramofsky: The Execution of a Lincoln. “War is an insane thing and people do not always, but generally, do crazy things”

Abstract

Bernard Abramofsky was an international brigadier from New York, born into a working-class, left-wing Jewish family. He was involved in communist organizations and was passionate about acting and popular music. With other friends such as Harry Malefsky and Ernie Arion he formed a youth music and amateur vaudeville group. He served in the army for 3 years in the Philippines, returning in 1936. In February 1937 he travelled to Spain as a volunteer with friends, actors and musicians he knew. In Spain he again organized a musical group, which played in every town. The problem came when his friend Arion died in Brunete and shortly afterwards Malefsky. He then deserted. With brigadiers Wallach and Rotter, he fled to Valencia and Barcelona, ​​and were caught, being sent back to the front. Bernard deserted several times again… Finally, he was sent back with his company, where he was one of the few Americans executed by his comrades (like Wallach), after an extrajudicial decision by the command of his battalion.