On September 28th, 1943, a German diplomat informed the Danish resistance that the mass deportation of the Danish Jews was imminent, due to this message, the nationwide smuggling of Jews to the neutral country Sweden.
The smuggling began in Copenhagen, where most of the Jews in Denmark lived. Over a two week period, fishermen and other people who owned seaworthy vessels helped to transport the fleeing Jews over the sea to Sweden, where they were safe as it was a neutral country and they would not be captured by the Nazis.
Those that did not live in Copenhagen were smuggled to the coast through cars, trucks and trains at the risk of everyone involved. They were hidden in houses, churches and other buildings.
Within the two week period, 7,220 Jews and 680 non-Jewish family members were smuggled out of the country and to safety in Sweden.
This rescue effort was unique in that it was nationwide; however it was not completely foolproof. Over 500 Jews were captured and deported by the Nazis, however all but 51 of them survived the holocaust. This was because the Danish government harassed the Germans as to the welfare of their Jewish citizens and tried to ensure their safety and survival during the war.
By W.O.
The smuggling began in Copenhagen, where most of the Jews in Denmark lived. Over a two week period, fishermen and other people who owned seaworthy vessels helped to transport the fleeing Jews over the sea to Sweden, where they were safe as it was a neutral country and they would not be captured by the Nazis.
Those that did not live in Copenhagen were smuggled to the coast through cars, trucks and trains at the risk of everyone involved. They were hidden in houses, churches and other buildings.
Within the two week period, 7,220 Jews and 680 non-Jewish family members were smuggled out of the country and to safety in Sweden.
This rescue effort was unique in that it was nationwide; however it was not completely foolproof. Over 500 Jews were captured and deported by the Nazis, however all but 51 of them survived the holocaust. This was because the Danish government harassed the Germans as to the welfare of their Jewish citizens and tried to ensure their safety and survival during the war.
By W.O.
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