Could the Allies Have Stopped the Holocaust?

During World War II, the Allies, including Britain and its Empire, accepted approximately 100,000 Jewish refugees, a significant yet limited number compared to the estimated 6 million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. This raises the question: could more have been done to save Jewish lives during this horrific period of history?

The Perspective

Considering the broader context of World War II, it's essential to note that the outcome was far from certain. British leaders were willing to sacrifice even their own people, let alone the Jews. For instance, in the early stages of the war, there were plans to abandon Australia to the advancing Japanese forces and liberate it later. Similarly, plans to evacuate England and continue the war from Canada existed. These examples illustrate the expendability of Allied civilians, let alone Jewish refugees.

Anti-Semitism in Europe

Anti-Semitism was deeply ingrained in European societies, including the Allies. Many who opposed the Germans themselves harbored anti-Jewish sentiments. For instance, some leaders were wary of portraying the conflict as a crusade against the Jews. As a result, there was a significant challenge in advocating for Jewish refugees and maintaining their support.

Contingency and Diplomacy

Various attempts were made to address the Holocaust, but these were often met with limited success. In Turkey, while the government was officially neutral, 2,200-2,500 Turkish Jews were deported to extermination camps, and anti-Jewish laws were implemented. Despite warnings from the United States, some alleviation was achieved. In Spain, about 7,500 Jews sought refuge, but the German invasion and subsequent negotiations saw the number drop to about 4,000.

The situation in France was marginally better, as about 80 Jews were saved by local citizens. In Switzerland and Sweden, diplomats collaborated with U.S. authorities to save tens of thousands of Jews. However, even these efforts were constrained by political and strategic considerations.

Refugee Restrictions and The White Paper

The case of Palestine illustrates the tensions between humanitarian concerns and political realities. Since 1917, Britain had controlled Palestine, which saw a significant increase in its population. However, in 1939, the British government issued the White Paper, which severely restricted Jewish immigration. Although the British enforced these restrictions, many Jews managed to enter Palestine illegally. For instance, the Bulgarian Jewish community was discriminated against but protected by their fellow citizens. However, over 11,000 Jews from Greece and Yugoslavia were handed over to the Nazis, and there was a brief window to potentially rescue them.

The Struma Disaster

The Struma disaster in 1942 exemplifies the tragic consequences of restrictive policies. The Struma, an unseaworthy boat carrying over 800 Romanian Jews, was denied entry to Palestine and subsequently sunk by a Soviet submarine, leading to the deaths of 791 people and the survival of only two.

Estimating the Impact

Despite efforts, the question remains: how many more Jews could have been saved if the Allies had done more? Different scholars have varying opinions. W.D. Rubinstein, in his book The Myth of Rescue, argues that the Allies could not have saved more Jews than they did. However, others argue that the number could have been higher.

Even if the exact number cannot be determined, it's clear that opening the doors to Palestine could have saved thousands more Jews. The estimated number might be fewer than 30,000, but even one life saved would be a triumph. It's crucial to acknowledge and address both the anti-Semitism that hindered rescue efforts and the attempts made by various countries to help.