The Manila Poker Club: Eisenhower, Quezon, and the Plan to Harbor Europe's Jews in the Philippines

by Mark Sy

In the late 1930s, as the Nazi persecution of Jews in Germany and Austria intensified, five distinguished gentlemen met half a world away for regular late-night poker games. What began as an excuse to drink whiskey, smoke cigars, and discuss the political events of the day resulted in an ambitious plan to rescue as many Jewish refugees as possible from the clutches of Hitler's Gestapo.

This small group of men in Manila—Lieutenant Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower, Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon, US high commissioner of the Philippines Paul V. McNutt, and Jewish American businessmen Alex and Philip Frieder—shared a sense of humor, a mutual respect for one another's cultures and people, and an innate desire to help a persecuted population. They hatched an effort to welcome thousands of Jewish refugees to the Philippines, facing off against antisemitic and anti-immigrant resistance in their own countries, the spreading Nazi menace in Europe—and eventually the Japanese invasion of their Pacific safe haven.

Drawing on recently released archives and original interviews with some of the last remaining Holocaust survivors, journalist Mark Sy shines a light on the humanitarian partnership between Filipino and American freedom fighters and the harrowing experiences of some of the Jewish families they helped to rescue, when the rest of humanity chose to turn its backs on them. It's a little-known tale of courage and compassion that ultimately saved more Jews than Oskar Schindler.

Genres: History

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2026

Reviews

[Edward Sy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the Philippines was a big supporter of Israel and a defender of human rights, specifically, the plight of the Jews escaping the Nazi genocide. This book is an easy read filled with historical facts I would not have known otherwise. For example, General Douglas MacArthur was not the same hero I grew up believing him to be. This is a must-read book for all Filipinos who want to learn about their history and the remarkable humanitarian efforts championed by President Quezon.

[Stephanie Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manila Poker Club is the WWII story I could not believe I had never heard. What starts as a casual poker game among high-rolling friends becomes an against-all-odds mission to save Jewish refugees, with Eisenhower and Quezon at the table. Gripping, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, this is history that reads like fiction. In an era of closed borders and rising nationalism, this book is not just fascinating but vital. Read it.

[glyndiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always interesting to learn about poker as it relates to US and global history. I enjoyed this book. It was well written and captivating.

[Yonatan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing tale of a little known scheme that had enormous effects on the 1,300+ Jews that were saved as a result

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! I was asked by my former publisher to write an endorsement. Comes out in August. Put this one on your TBR pile, people!