The Holocaust, a period of unparalleled persecution and genocide orchestrated by Nazi Germany, also left its mark on the Nordic countries. Each country responded to the plight of Jewish communities in distinct ways, shaped by their geopolitical situations, alliances, and resistance efforts. Below is an exploration of how Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland handled the Holocaust and the treatment of Jews during this dark period in history.
Denmark: A Story of Remarkable Resistance
Denmark’s response to the Holocaust is one of the most remarkable examples of resistance and solidarity in Europe. At the time of the German occupation in 1940, Denmark was home to around 7,000 Jews. Despite being under Nazi rule, the Danish government initially resisted anti-Jewish measures and succeeded in maintaining relative autonomy until 1943. When the Nazis planned the deportation of Danish Jews in October 1943, the Danish resistance, supported by ordinary citizens, coordinated an unprecedented rescue operation. Over 90% of Denmark’s Jewish population escaped to neutral Sweden via fishing boats and other small vessels. This effort was made possible by the collective resolve of Danes who refused to comply with Nazi racial policies. Only a small number of Jews were deported to concentration camps, and most of them survived due to Danish efforts to advocate for their well-being. Denmark’s humanitarian actions remain a beacon of hope and resistance during the Holocaust.
Norway: Tragedy Amidst Resistance
Norway, occupied by Germany in April 1940, faced a more challenging situation regarding its Jewish population, which numbered about 2,100. Under the collaborationist Quisling regime, Norwegian Jews were subjected to Nazi policies. From 1941, Jews were stripped of their rights, property was confiscated, and many were arrested. In 1942, mass deportations began. Hundreds of Norwegian Jews were sent to Auschwitz, where most perished. However, a significant number of Jews managed to escape to neutral Sweden, thanks to the efforts of Norwegian resistance groups and civilians who risked their lives to smuggle them across the border. Despite the tragic fate of many, the actions of the resistance and ordinary Norwegians helped save about half of the Jewish population.
Sweden: A Safe Haven
As a neutral country during World War II, Sweden became a refuge for Jews fleeing Nazi persecution, particularly from Denmark and Norway. Sweden accepted thousands of Danish Jews during the 1943 rescue operation and provided sanctuary to Norwegian Jews fleeing deportation. Sweden also played a crucial role in humanitarian efforts during the latter part of the war. Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat stationed in Hungary, is credited with saving tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews by issuing protective passports and providing safe houses. Wallenberg’s heroism has become emblematic of Sweden’s commitment to aiding Jewish communities during the Holocaust.
Finland: A Complex Narrative
Finland’s situation during the Holocaust is uniquely complex. Although Finland was an ally of Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union, it did not fully adopt Nazi racial policies. Finland’s Jewish population of around 2,000 lived relatively unscathed during the war, and Finnish authorities refused to implement anti-Jewish measures. However, Finland controversially handed over eight Jewish refugees to the Nazis in 1942, a decision that remains a stain on its history. Despite this, most Finnish Jews survived the Holocaust, and Jewish soldiers even fought alongside their fellow Finns against the Soviet Union. Finland’s treatment of Jews reflects a delicate balance between its alliance with Germany and its domestic resistance to Nazi ideology.
Iceland: A Minimal Jewish Presence
Iceland, which had a very small Jewish population during World War II, was largely insulated from the Holocaust due to its geographic isolation and limited Nazi influence. While Icelandic society harbored some anti-Semitic attitudes, there were no significant deportations or persecutions of Jews on the island.
The Nordic countries’ responses to the Holocaust reveal a spectrum of experiences, from Denmark’s heroic rescue operations to Norway’s tragic deportations, Sweden’s role as a sanctuary, Finland’s moral dilemmas, and Iceland’s limited involvement. These stories highlight both the resilience of Jewish communities and the importance of individual and collective action in the face of oppression.
