Gilleleje, a fishing town on the Danish Riviera, commemorates its crucial role in aiding the escape of Danish Jews during World War II. Eight decades ago, the town’s fishermen and citizens united to secretly ferry over 7,000 Jews from occupied Denmark to neutral Sweden, saving them from potential deportation to concentration camps. This act of defiance and solidarity is hailed as one of the most significant acts of collective resistance during the war. This year, Gilleleje is memorializing this valor with new monuments and exhibits.
Key Points:
- Historic Rescue Operation: In October 1943, the fishermen and residents of Gilleleje and nearby towns on the Danish Riviera played a pivotal role in smuggling 7,056 out of 7,800 Danish Jews to safety in Sweden.
- Underlying Context: The life-saving operation was prompted by Hitler’s order to round up Danish Jews for deportation, which came after the Danish Resistance intensified their activities against the Germans.
- New Memorials and Exhibitions: To mark the 80th anniversary, Gilleleje has unveiled a monument, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York has curated an exhibit titled “Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark”.
- Acts of Courage Beyond Gilleleje: Other coastal towns, like Nivå, also exhibited bravery by hiding Jews and facilitating their escape, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to resist Nazi orders.
- Legacy of Solidarity: Today, survivors like Tove Udsholt emphasize the importance of this history in understanding and empathizing with current global refugee crises, highlighting the timeless nature of compassion and humanity.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231002-gilleleje-denmarks-seaside-town-that-saved-danish-jews
