Final answer:
The persistent optimism amid brutal experiences like pogroms can be attributed to human resilience, denial as a coping mechanism, inspirational acts of resistance, and an inherent faith in humanity. A widespread disbelief about the extent of the Holocaust and the inspiration drawn from individual acts of heroism, might have further bolstered this sense of hope.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disconnect between the brutal experience of pogroms and the persistent optimism mentioned by Ayer is a complex psychological and sociological phenomenon. The historical context provided shows that, despite a long history of anti-Semitism and atrocities against Jewish communities, such as the pogroms and Nazi-led Holocaust, Jews throughout history have demonstrated a remarkable resilience and capacity for hope. This optimism can be attributed to a range of factors, including the human tendency to cling to denial as a coping mechanism, the focus on acts of resistance like the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, which bolstered communal morale, and an inherent faith in humanity that persisted despite the horrors witnessed.
Additionally, reports of the extent of the Holocaust were met with disbelief by many, including world leaders, contributing to a wider sense of skepticism among the general population. Efforts by Jewish organizations to keep the plight of European Jews in the public consciousness, and acts of heroism and resistance by individuals like Irena Sendler and Oskar Schindler, served as beacons of hope and inspiration for optimism in the darkest of times. Therefore, the optimism that Ayer refers to can be considered a testament to the enduring human spirit and the desperation to hold onto hope for a better future, even in the face of extreme adversity.