On November 18, 1945, at Temple Israel in Hollywood, Landau spoke about “Jewish Composers of Our Days.” Her focus was again on the Jewish contribution to music. But, in the aftermath of World War II, she reflected in a new way on the importance of combating prejudice against Jews in all areas. The stakes, for Landau, had never been higher. She announced, “We have to make the best use of this experience [Hitler's regime] by getting prepared and thoroughly informed about ourselves, our history, our tradition, about Jewish contribution.” With this knowledge Jewish communities could counter hate, particularly the idea that Jews are an “inferior race,” and thus “fight discrimination from the very beginning before it may spread around and cause irreparable damage.”

Landau knew more and more about this “damage” as the year came to a close. Hitler had committed suicide at the end of April, though combat continued. In the next month Germany surrendered unconditionally, signing a treaty on May 8, and the war was officially over. But for many it wasn't. It would take years of rebuilding for the basics of civilization to resume in some places. Millions had been murdered, and countless individuals, including children, displaced in expulsion and evacuation. Parents sought children; children, including those grown, like Landau, sought parents. Neither side knew in full whether the effort was in vain.

On November 24, 1941, Landau had written a letter to her mother and father. It had been opened and stamped “return to sender, service suspended.” The last letter that reached Landau's parents directly, without the aid of third parties, was a greeting in honor of Sami's birthday in October 1941. In it, Landau had told them about her Carnegie Hall lectures in New York and the commission of her book for the National Federation of the Temple Sisterhoods. The last letter she likewise received was their response, dated November 11, 1941. It was filled with pride. Her father wrote, “It was the most beautiful and joyful birthday-gift I ever received in my life…. You are now on your way and my fatherly warm wishes accompany you.”