Hvorfor Theresienstadt

Abstract

This article analyzes the “Judenaktion” in October 1943 in connection with events in the ghetto Theresienstadt. The overall question is why 470 Jews from Denmark were deported to Theresienstadt and remained there, also during the wave of transports from the ghetto to Auschwitz-Birkenau in September- October 1944. Related questions are, precisely when and by whom was the decision taken to bring Danish Jews to Theresienstadt? Who was behind protecting the Danes in the ghetto, and what was the precise purpose of keeping them alive? Finally, what was the connection between the deportation of Danish Jews and the project of a future visit to the ghetto?