Meaning: The quote refers to the status of Jewish-owned real property in Nazi Germany in November 1938, as reported by the Times correspondent in Berlin. The author, Arthur Bryant, was a prominent British historian known for his works on British history, particularly World War II and the rise of Nazi Germany. This quote sheds light on the economic impact of anti-Semitic policies and persecution on the Jewish population in Germany during the early years of the Nazi regime.

The context of the quote is crucial to understanding its significance. By November 1938, the Nazi regime had been in power for five years, during which time it had implemented a series of anti-Semitic legislations and policies aimed at isolating, marginalizing, and ultimately eliminating the Jewish population in Germany. These measures included the Nuremberg Laws of 1935, which deprived Jews of their citizenship and prohibited marriage or sexual relations between Jews and non-Jews, as well as the systematic exclusion of Jews from various professions and public life.

Despite these discriminatory measures, the quote highlights the fact that Jews still owned a significant portion of real property in the Reich, estimated to be around a third, according to the Times correspondent in Berlin. This statistic challenges the notion that the Jewish community in Germany was economically marginalized and devoid of assets. It suggests that, despite the oppressive environment and increasing persecution they faced, many Jews still retained ownership of real property.

The significance of this statistic lies in the resilience and perseverance of the Jewish community in the face of escalating anti-Semitic measures. Despite the discriminatory laws and policies aimed at stripping them of their rights and livelihoods, many Jews managed to hold onto their real property. This resilience underscores the deep roots and contributions of the Jewish community to the economic and social fabric of Germany, despite the hostile environment created by the Nazi regime.

Furthermore, the quote raises questions about the effectiveness of the Nazi regime's economic and social policies in achieving its goal of excluding and impoverishing the Jewish population. Despite the regime's efforts to confiscate Jewish-owned property and businesses through measures such as Aryanization, the fact that Jews still owned a substantial portion of real property challenges the narrative of complete economic dispossession.

The quote also serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions within the Nazi regime's policies towards the Jewish population. While the regime sought to portray Jews as economic and social parasites, this statistic points to the enduring economic presence of the Jewish community in Germany. It complicates the simplistic portrayal of Jews as wholly dispossessed and economically marginalized during this period.

In conclusion, the quote by Arthur Bryant provides a thought-provoking insight into the economic resilience and perseverance of the Jewish community in Nazi Germany amidst widespread anti-Semitic legislation and persecution. It challenges preconceived notions about the economic status of Jews in Germany during the early years of the Nazi regime and raises important questions about the complexities of their experiences during this tumultuous period in history.