History of Europe

What happened to Swedish Jews during World War 2?

The Swedish government's policy during the war was one of neutrality, with the country officially siding with neither the Allies nor the Axis powers. Therefore, Sweden was not involved in any of the fighting that took place during World War II.

However, the country did receive a number of Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany and Austria before and during the war. In total, around 2,000 Jewish refugees were admitted to Sweden, and the majority of them were able to settle there permanently.

Sweden also provided shelter to a number of Jewish refugees who had been turned away from other countries. In 1938, the SS St. Louis, a ship carrying over 900 Jewish refugees, was turned away from the United States and forced to return to Europe. Sweden agreed to accept some of the passengers, and around 250 of them were eventually allowed to settle in the country.

In addition, Sweden also provided asylum to a number of Jewish children who had been sent to safety by their parents in the years leading up to the war. These children were often placed with Swedish families or in children's homes, and they were given the opportunity to learn Swedish and attend school.