Why almost all of Denmark's Jews survived the Holocaust

Summary

In 1943, when Nazi forces planned to deport Denmark’s Jewish population, a remarkable effort led to the survival of nearly 95% of Denmark’s Jews. The German occupation of Denmark, initially relatively benign, shifted after setbacks in WWII, and deportations were ordered. However, a German diplomat, Georg Duckwitz, tipped off the Jewish community, allowing them to flee to Sweden. With help from local resistance and non-Jewish citizens, thousands escaped. Despite the Nazis' efforts to deceive the Red Cross, Denmark's Jews had a higher survival rate than most in Nazi-occupied Europe, highlighting the power of community and resistance during the Holocaust.

Takeaways

• 😀 On October 1st, 1943, German police and Danish SS tried to deport Denmark’s Jewish population, but most had been tipped off and escaped.
• 😀 Over 95% of Denmark's nearly 8,000 Jews survived the Holocaust, a remarkable survival rate compared to the rest of Nazi-occupied Europe.
• 😀 Denmark surrendered to Germany in 1940 to avoid unnecessary destruction and kept its government, police, and civil service intact under German occupation.
• 😀 Denmark’s Jewish population was well-integrated into society, with King Christian X and the government protecting them from Nazi anti-Jewish laws.
• 😀 In 1943, with German military setbacks, Denmark’s resistance to Nazi occupation intensified, and the Nazis began to consider deporting the Jewish population.
• 😀 On September 8th, 1943, Germany's civil administrator in Denmark, Werner Best, recommended a 'solution to the Jewish Question', and Hitler ordered the deportation of Danish Jews.
• 😀 German embassy official Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz tipped off Danish politicians, alerting the Jewish community and giving them time to flee.
• 😀 On October 1st, when German forces arrived, most Jewish homes were empty, and only about 500 Jews were arrested, mainly the elderly and those in remote areas.
• 😀 Denmark’s Jews fled to Sweden across the Oresund Strait, with the help of local citizens and fishermen, as Sweden offered refuge to all those who could reach its shores.
• 😀 By mid-October 1943, around 7,200 of Denmark’s Jews had escaped to Sweden, saving 95% of the Jewish population in Denmark.
• 😀 The deported Danish Jews were sent to Theresienstadt, where the conditions were horrific, but Denmark's Jews were spared further deportation, surviving until the war's end in 1945.

Q & A

What was the significance of October 1st, 1943, for Denmark's Jewish population?

October 1st, 1943, was the night when German Police and members of the Danish SS attempted to round up and deport Denmark’s Jewish population. However, most of the Jewish families were tipped off about the impending raid and managed to flee, leading to the survival of over 95% of Denmark's Jews during the Holocaust.

Why were Denmark's Jews able to avoid the same fate as Jews in other parts of Nazi-occupied Europe?

Denmark's Jews had a higher survival rate due to several factors, including early warnings about the German deportation plans, the assistance of local Danish citizens, and the proximity of Sweden, which offered refuge. Additionally, Denmark's relatively benign German occupation, initially, allowed Jews to remain undisturbed for longer.

How did Denmark’s occupation by Germany differ from other Nazi-occupied countries?

Unlike other Nazi-occupied countries, Denmark had a 'Model Protectorate' status, where the German occupation was less harsh. Denmark retained its sovereignty, government, police, and civil services, and there were fewer restrictions on the population, including the Jews, who were not subjected to measures like forced registration or wearing yellow stars.

What role did King Christian X play in the protection of Denmark's Jewish population?

King Christian X of Denmark played a critical role by publicly supporting the protection of Danish Jews. He considered them to be Danish citizens and made it clear that they would not cooperate with Nazi anti-Jewish measures, which provided a level of protection and safety.

What prompted the German decision to deport Denmark's Jews in 1943?

The decision to deport Denmark's Jews came after a series of events in 1943, including the resignation of the Danish government, increasing acts of resistance by the Danish population, and the growing military setbacks for Germany. These factors led to a shift in German policy, and a more repressive approach was adopted towards Denmark's Jews.

How did Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz help the Jewish community in Denmark?

Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz, a German diplomat, learned of the planned deportation of Danish Jews and informed key Danish politicians, who in turn alerted the Jewish community. This crucial warning gave the Jews time to flee or go into hiding before the German police could arrest them.

What was the significance of Sweden's offer to accept Danish Jews?

On October 2nd, 1943, Sweden officially offered refuge to all Danish Jews and their non-Jewish relatives who could reach Sweden. This declaration provided a safe destination for those fleeing the Nazi persecution in Denmark and allowed many to escape to safety across the Oresund Strait.

What was the role of local Danish citizens in helping Jews escape to Sweden?

Local Danish citizens played a vital role in helping Jews escape to Sweden. Many offered shelter and, in some cases, assisted in securing transport across the Oresund Strait. Resistance groups also coordinated the escape efforts, ensuring that Jews who did not have the means to pay for transportation could still make the journey.

How did the Danish and German coastal patrols affect the escape of Jews to Sweden?

The Danish and German coastal patrols did not interfere with the escape of Jews to Sweden. This lack of intervention was partly due to Werner Best’s desire to maintain a peaceful occupation in Denmark, avoiding increasing anti-German sentiment, which allowed the escape efforts to succeed.

What was the fate of Danish Jews who were deported to Theresienstadt?

Danish Jews who were deported to the Theresienstadt ghetto faced horrific conditions, including overcrowding, starvation, and disease. Although some survived the difficult conditions, many elderly Jews died, and the ghetto was later used by the Nazis to create a deceptive image of a 'model' Jewish settlement. The conditions were far from satisfactory, with over 30,000 people dying in Theresienstadt.