Language:
English
Year of publication:
2008
Titel der Quelle:
Yad Vashem Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
36,2 (2008) 73-114
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
;
Jews Periodicals
;
Jewish refugees
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Abstract:
Discusses the question of how the Ribbentrop-Molotov non-aggression pact of 1939 affected the Soviet Jews, and whether it reduced their alertness concerning the possibility of a German invasion in 1941. Argues that information on the Nazi treatment of Jews in occupied Poland continued to trickle into the USSR through various channels, including rare official media reports, oral transmission, private correspondence, and Western broadcasts. There was a rather intensive movement of populations in 1939-40 between German-occupied Poland and Soviet-controlled areas, both former Polish and eastern. Soviet authorities did not prevent the spreading of unofficial reports on the Nazis' actions in Poland. Based on this information, many Jews, especially those who were educated, did understand the threat from Nazi Germany, and hence were distressed about the pact with Germany in 1939. Ironically, the German invasion in June 1941 caused a sense of alleviation among Soviet Jews - it put an end to the perverted friendship with Germany and made them identify more strongly with their own country.
Note:
English and Hebrew.
URL:
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