Language:
English
Year of publication:
2005
Titel der Quelle:
Jewish Studies at the Central European University
Angaben zur Quelle:
5 (2005-2007) 71-89
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
;
Jewish councils
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Abstract:
Discusses the ambivalent role of the Hungarian Council. Stresses the strategy of legality and loyalty of Council head Samu Stern and his circle. For example, they avoided providing financial aid to underground groups attempting to save Jews in Slovakia in order to protect Hungarian Jews. The general strategy of obeying authorities continued after the German occupation of March 1944, although there was occasional support for illegal rescue activities of the Zionists. The assimilated Jews, like Stern, did not try to escape serving on the Council, although at least one Orthodox member successfully hid. The vast majority of Hungarian Jews did not know what awaited them at Auschwitz. With virtually no possiblity of resistance, a key issue was whether the Council, which definitely knew of the Nazi plans, would inform their fellow Jews. They did not, perhaps hoping that, if there was no rebellion, part of the community would be saved, or perhaps because they hoped to save themselves. Concludes that members of the Council had no good choice, their strategy was futile, and they were unable to save their people. Despite their goodwill, they tragically were obedient instruments of the Nazis.
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