When Canada Said No: The Abandoned Jews of the MS St. Louis

Summary

The story of the *MS St. Louis* recounts the harrowing journey of 937 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in 1939, only to be turned away by Cuba, the U.S., and Canada. As the ship's passengers desperately sought refuge, they faced political and social rejection at every turn. Canada's refusal to act, driven by anti-Semitism and fear of public backlash, remains a painful chapter in history. Despite brief hopes, only a few countries offered refuge, and many of the refugees who returned to Europe perished in the Holocaust. This tragic event underscores the importance of compassion and action in times of crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 The MS St. Louis was a German ocean liner carrying 937 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution, attempting to find refuge in Cuba in May 1939.
• 😀 Despite having valid landing visas for Cuba, the refugees were denied entry due to bureaucratic corruption and extortion attempts by the Cuban government.
• 😀 The passengers hoped to be allowed to disembark in Cuba temporarily and then move on to the United States, but Cuba's refusal created mass confusion and despair.
• 😀 The refugees then sought refuge in Canada, but Canada's government, led by Prime Minister Mackenzie King and immigration director Frederick Blair, rejected their plea for asylum due to rising anti-Semitism in the country.
• 😀 Canada's immigration policies were discriminatory, with Jews being placed in an 'undesirable' class, limiting their chances of refuge compared to other European immigrants.
• 😀 Anti-Semitism was widespread across the Western world during the 1930s, including in Canada, where public opinion and political forces resisted Jewish immigration.
• 😀 A failed attempt at lobbying the Canadian government for the acceptance of Jewish refugees saw Jewish leaders resorting to quiet diplomacy, which ultimately achieved nothing.
• 😀 The St. Louis' story received international media coverage, but the Canadian government remained silent, refusing to take action despite widespread public sympathy for the refugees.
• 😀 The ship was eventually forced to return to Europe, with the refugees being accepted by England, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. However, many were later caught by Nazi forces, and only half survived the Holocaust.
• 😀 The story of the MS St. Louis highlights the devastating consequences of political inaction and the importance of governments taking action in times of crisis, ensuring that such injustices are not repeated.

Q & A

What is the significance of the MS St. Louis in history?

The MS St. Louis is significant as a symbol of the plight of Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution in 1939. The ship's passengers were denied entry into multiple countries, including Cuba and Canada, and were ultimately forced to return to Europe, where many perished in the Holocaust.

How did the passengers on the MS St. Louis initially feel about their escape from Germany?

The passengers were initially hopeful and optimistic as they set sail from Germany, believing they would find refuge in Cuba or the United States, but their hopes were dashed as they were denied entry to Cuba and faced a bleak future.

Why was Cuba reluctant to accept the refugees aboard the MS St. Louis?

Cuba refused to accept the refugees due to a combination of political corruption, extortion attempts by officials, and a refusal to recognize the passengers' visas, which led to the ship being stranded in Havana's harbor.

What role did Canada play in the situation of the MS St. Louis passengers?

Canada, despite calls from its citizens and some Jewish organizations, refused to accept the refugees from the MS St. Louis, largely due to widespread anti-Semitism in the country at the time, especially in Quebec and among certain political leaders.

What was the reaction of the Canadian government to the MS St. Louis crisis?

The Canadian government remained silent on the issue, with Prime Minister Mackenzie King and Immigration Director Frederick Blair refusing to intervene or adjust immigration policies, despite public outcry and lobbying efforts.

How did the media cover the story of the MS St. Louis in Canada?

The media in Canada initially gave significant attention to the plight of the MS St. Louis passengers, with headlines reporting on the refugees' dire situation. However, the government remained largely unresponsive despite this public pressure.

What actions did some Canadian citizens and organizations take regarding the MS St. Louis?

Several Canadian citizens and Jewish organizations publicly advocated for the acceptance of the refugees, including sending petitions and cables to the government urging action. Despite these efforts, the Canadian government did not take steps to offer asylum.

What was the eventual outcome for the passengers of the MS St. Louis?

After being denied entry to Cuba and Canada, the passengers of the MS St. Louis were offered refuge by four European countries: England, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. However, many of those who were sent to continental Europe later perished in the Holocaust.

How did the captain of the MS St. Louis contribute to the refugees' plight?

The captain of the MS St. Louis, Captain Schroeder, was praised for his compassion and determination to find a safe haven for the passengers. He insisted on treating the refugees with dignity, and he even warned of the potential for a mutiny or mass suicides if the passengers were not allowed to land.

What was the role of anti-Semitism in the treatment of Jewish refugees during this period?

Anti-Semitism was a significant factor in the refusal of many countries, including Canada and Cuba, to accept Jewish refugees. In Canada, this sentiment was particularly strong in Quebec, and it influenced immigration policies that were restrictive and discriminatory toward Jewish individuals.