Greece had one of the highest killing rates during the war, with most of its Jewish population being eradicated by the Nazi regime. However, some parts of Greece managed to avoid the abuse, mainly thanks to a few people.
The entire Jewish population of Zakynthos survived the war. And not because Zakynthos wasn’t taken over by Nazi forces, but because of the courage and bravery of a few locals. This is their story.
Zakynthos During World War 2
Zakynthos is famous all over the world for its attractions, secluded beaches, lovely nature, friendly people and hospitality. But for millions of Jews across the world, Zakynthos is also known for being able to save the entire Jewish population of 275 people during World War 2.
The heroic moment changed the course of the history of Zakynthos.
On the 9th of September, 1943, the local Nazi commander asked Loukas Karrer, the mayor, for a full list of every Jew living in Zakynthos. The mayor was expecting this to happen, as he knew exactly what was happening to Jews across Greece.
An Act Of Courage
Loukas Karrer thought to have a chat with the island’s bishop, Chrysostomos Dimitriou. They both decided to ignore the Nazi commander’s request, but help the Jews instead. Needless to say, the island’s German administration wasn’t happy with the decision.
The two officials even facilitated a meeting between German authorities and Moshe Gani, the head of the local Jewish community. They even tried to bribe the commander with a diamond ring, but it was in vain.
The Greek officials were summoned to appear before the Nazi commander. They were asked to prepare the list straight away. The mayor refused the request for a second time.
In a stunning display of defiance to the Nazi commander, the two Greek officials handed a small piece of paper instead. On that scrap piece of paper, the Nazi commander could only read two names. The two Greek officials’ names.
The bishop told the Nazi officer that although local Jews didn’t share the same religion, they’d been part of the community for centuries, living in peace and harmony.
According to his words, the Jews of Zakynthos were equal to all the other Greeks living on the island. He tried to explain that if anything happened to Jews, this would affect the entire community.
Additionally, he wrote a letter to Adolf Hitler, explaining how the entire Jewish population of Zakynthos was under his personal authority. His hope was in vain though. However, German officials were perplexed by how defiant the Greek leaders were.
All plans were halted, but not because of the Greek officials. Instead, German officials decided to ask for clarification from Berlin instead.
Guidance For The Jews Of Zakynthos
Both the mayor and bishop rushed and warned local Jewish families to hide, flee or disappear. They asked local Greek families to offer support and refuge. Jews were also directed into the mountains, where Germans would struggle to find them.
Everyone listened. Nearly the entire population disappeared straight away. As a direct consequence, the Germans decided to stop the operation on the island. Their plan was put to a permanent halt.
In the end, while entire Jewish communities were completely destroyed, Zakynthos managed to save its population. Large Jewish centres in Greece, like Thessaloniki or Corfu, suffered from the Nazi abuse, but not Zakynthos.
A year later, the Nazi forces left Zakynthos. Once Israel was officially established, many of them relocated.