World War II: The Persecution of Jews in Occupied Jersey
During the Second World War, the island of Jersey faced a dark period of German occupation. While many residents evacuated in June 1940, some chose to stay, and others—specifically those of the Jewish faith—found themselves trapped. Due to restrictions on enemy aliens (individuals born in countries at war with Britain), many were unable to leave the island without permits, leaving them vulnerable to the encroaching Nazi regime.
The Implementation of Racial Laws
Following the 1940 invasion, the German occupiers forced the local government to implement laws requiring the identification of Jewish residents. Although non-British and non-Jersey foreigners had already been required to register with the police, these existing records did not track religious faith. To rectify this for the occupiers, a public call for registration was issued.
On October 21, 1940, the Jersey Evening Post published an advertisement stating that the Bailiff had received orders from German authorities regarding the registration of Jews. The Attorney-General read these orders, which were then lodged at the Greffe (the public registry) for promulgation. The Chief Aliens Officer was entrusted with the actual registration process.
As a result of these mandates, the Germans issued identity cards to the entire population. These cards explicitly listed the holder's nationality and their faith, effectively marking Jewish individuals for surveillance and persecution.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Individuals Identified as Jewish
Under the strict Nazi definitions of the time, several individuals residing in Jersey were identified as Jewish. This group included both native residents and naturalized citizens from various backgrounds:
- Victor Emanuel: Born in Germany, naturalized British citizen.
- John Finkelstein: Romanian national.
- Samuel Selig Simon: British citizen born in Jersey.
- Nathan Davidson: Born in Romania, naturalized Egyptian citizen.
- Marianne Blampied: Born in Holland, British by marriage.
- John Jacobs: British citizen.
- Theresa Marks: Born in Jersey.
- Ruby Ellen Still: British citizen.
- Hyam Goldman: British citizen.
- Hedwig Bercu: Romanian national born in Austria.
- Margarete Hurban: German national born in Austria.
- Esther Pauline Lloyd: British citizen.
Deportations and Internment
The situation escalated in February 1943. Following a report by a Dr. Casper dated June 17, 1942, several individuals were shipped out of Jersey and sent to Lager Compiègne, an internment camp in France. From there, they were transferred to various locations across Europe.
The fates of those deported varied. Some were sent to civilian camps, such as Laufen and Biberach an der Riss (Ilag V-B), which held many civilians from the Channel Islands. Others faced the horrors of concentration camps. For example, John Max Finkelstein was sent to Buchenwald and later to Theresienstadt in April 1945.
| Name | Primary Destination | Final Destination/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Alfred Bertie Still | Lager Compiègne | Laufen, Germany (Survivor) |
| Ruby Ellen Still | Lager Compiègne | Biberach an der Riss (Survivor) |
| Michael Lewis Still | Lager Compiègne | Biberach an der Riss (Survivor) |
| John Max Finkelstein | Lager Compiègne | Buchenwald & Theresienstadt (Survivor) |
| Esther Pauline Lloyd | Lager Compiègne | Biberach an der Riss (Returned to Jersey April 1944) |
Not all victims were deported. Some suffered tragic ends on the island; Nathan Davidson died in 1944 after being admitted to a mental hospital in February 1943, and Victor Emanuel committed suicide.
Key Facts
- Registration: Jews in Jersey were forced to register via a public notice in the Jersey Evening Post on October 21, 1940.
- Identification: German-issued identity cards explicitly listed the faith of the holder.
- Deportations: In February 1943, several Jewish residents were sent to Lager Compiègne in France.
- Camps: Deportees were moved to various sites, including Laufen, Biberach an der Riss, Buchenwald, and Theresienstadt.
- Casualties: Local tragedies included the suicide of Victor Emanuel and the death of Nathan Davidson in a mental hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were Jewish residents identified in Jersey?
They were identified through a mandatory registration process ordered by German authorities and announced in the local press, followed by the issuance of identity cards that listed their faith.
What happened to the Jews deported in February 1943?
They were first sent to Lager Compiègne in France, and subsequently transferred to other camps such as Laufen, Biberach an der Riss, Buchenwald, or Theresienstadt.
Who were the "enemy aliens" mentioned in the records?
Enemy aliens were people born in countries that were at war with Britain, which restricted their ability to leave Jersey without a permit during the occupation.
Did any of the deported individuals return to Jersey?
Yes, Esther Pauline Lloyd returned to Jersey in April 1944 after being held at Biberach an der Riss.
What was the role of the Bailiff in the registration process?
The Bailiff received the orders from the German authorities and entrusted the Chief Aliens Officer with the task of registering the Jewish population.