Fear of deportation and extermination: The Nazis implemented the systematic extermination of Jews known as the Holocaust. Jewish communities were targeted for deportation to concentration and death camps, where millions of Jews were murdered. Fearing for their lives, Jewish families sought hiding places to avoid being found by the Nazis and their collaborators.
Lack of alternatives: Many Jewish families were unable to flee the Nazi-occupied territories due to restrictions on movement, lack of resources, or closed borders. Going into hiding provided a temporary solution to avoid immediate danger and buy time until they could find a way to escape or until the war ended.
Support from non-Jewish individuals and organizations: Some Jewish families were able to find refuge in hiding places arranged by non-Jewish individuals or organizations who risked their own lives to help them. These individuals and groups offered safe houses, false identities, and other assistance, providing hope and a chance for survival amidst the persecution.
Efforts to preserve family unity: Jewish families often went into hiding together to protect the safety of all family members. Parents wanted to keep their children safe and prevent the separation of families. By staying together in hiding, families could support each other emotionally and practically during the difficult times of persecution.
Resistance and defiance: Going into hiding was also an act of resistance against Nazi oppression. By refusing to surrender to the Nazis' persecution and hiding their identities, Jewish families demonstrated their resilience and determination to survive despite overwhelming odds.
Despite the efforts to hide, many Jewish families were discovered by the Nazis and their collaborators, leading to their deportation and the loss of countless lives. However, going into hiding provided an opportunity for some Jewish individuals and families to evade persecution temporarily, increase their chances of survival, and maintain a semblance of normalcy during the war.