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In April 1940, the Third Reich invaded the Danish kingdom and
occupied it.
Until 1943, the occupation policy was rather moderate, and Danish
Jews were left untouched. However, in the fourth year of German
control, the atmosphere grew more tense, leading to strikes
and uprisings among the Danish people in August. The Nazi administration
responded with severe restrictions, many of which affected the
Jewish community.
The deportation of Danish Jews to concentration camps was to
remain a secret. It was ordered to begin on October 1, 1943,
the start of the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Thanks to the early
warning of Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz, a German diplomat, the
plan was leaked to the Jews, and word spread quickly throughout
the community. Spontaneous actions followed among the Danish
resistance and the larger population: Jews were hidden in hospitals,
churches, and Danish homes. The escape from Denmark was under
way.
Through the vigorous efforts of Danes from all walks of life,
over 7,000 Jews managed to escape to Sweden.
Not all members of the Jewish community were saved by these
efforts. Several hundred, mostly the old and infirm, could not
escape arrest. These individuals were sent to the concentration
camp Theresienstadt. But the deportees had better conditions
in the camp due to constant pressure from the Danish administration
and Red Cross on the German camp administrators.
Through the vigorous efforts of Danes from all walks of life,
over 7,000 Jews managed to escape to Sweden.
Not all members of the Jewish community were saved by these
efforts. Several hundred, mostly the old and infirm, could not
escape arrest. These individuals were sent to the concentration
camp Theresienstadt. But the deportees had better conditions
in the camp due to constant pressure from the Danish administration
and Red Cross on the German camp administrators.
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