Legacies from Denmark during the Holocaust

International conference on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of October 1943 with a focus on the Danish experiences.

[English below]

In October 1943, more than 95% of the Jewish population of Denmark managed to escape to Sweden in what has since been recognized as a remarkable rescue operation. With the help of a wide range of civil society actors, including the Danish church, the local population and the resistance movement, as well as from a number of civil servants, approx. 7.800 Jews to flee and avoid the planned deportation. 481 Jews from Denmark were deported to Theresienstadt.

What can we learn from the Danish experience today, 80 years later? What made this remarkable rescue possible? What does the rescue operation tell us about the role and responsibility of civil society to protect civilians during war and conflict? And how can we pass on the Holocaust to future generations when there are only a few survivors left? These are the main issues at this conference marking the 80th anniversary of October 1943.

Participation is from national delegations to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

The conference is for invited delegates only.

International conference marking the 80th year since October 1943 focusing on the legacies from Denmark.

In October 1943, more than 95% of the Jewish population in Denmark managed to escape to Sweden in what has since been recognized as a remarkable rescue operation. With the help of a wide array of civil society actors, including the Danish church, around 7,800 Jews avoided the planned round-up and deportation. However, 481 Jews from Denmark did not escape the round-up and were deported to Theresienstadt.

What are the lessons to be learned from this experience today - 80 years later? What made this remarkable rescue operation possible? What does the rescue operation tell us about civil society and the responsibility to protect civilians during war and conflict? And how do we best teach the lessons of the Holocaust to future generations?

These are the main questions asked by a forthcoming conference organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in cooperation with the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS). It will take place in one of the central points of departure, the fishing village of Gilleleje, Denmark 9-10 October, 2023.

With participation from national delegations of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. For invited delegates only.