Exploring the Complexity of Jewish Collaboration with the Nazi Regime During WWII

During World War II, there were instances of Jews collaborating with the Nazi regime. This collaboration primarily took place in the camp systems and involved individuals trying to save their own skins. However, the issue is more complex than it may seem at first glance.

Risk and Reward: Why Jews Served in Nazi Formations

According to historical records, 1,500 Jews were working for the Gestapo, while several hundred full Jews and around 100,000 partial Jews were serving under the Nuremberg Laws. Additionally, many more Jews were serving in industrial and administrative capacities.

These individuals often chose to serve due to the perceived safety and protection it brought to them and their families. This collaboration was seen as a “smart move” when dealing with a genocidal regime.

Defining Loyalty and Collaboration During the War

The question of whether these individuals can be considered Jewish collaborators or German soldiers serving their duty is a thorny one. Consider a scenario where an individual had a Jewish grandparent, considered themselves German, and served in the Wehrmacht like everyone else. Would they be labeled as a “Jewish collaborator,” given that their grandfather is unlikely to be alive or deported?

Another scenario involves an individual who is half-Jewish with a German spouse and an assimilated family. The nature of such collaborations is influenced by the context and the broader political climate of the time.

It is important to note that the Nazis succeeded in redefining Jews as a separate and non-citizenship category, a victory that persists even today. The arbitrary classification of millions of Jews as 'Jews' during the Holocaust did not align with their own self-identification. This legacy continues to shape our understanding and categorization of Jewish identity.

Forms of Jewish Collaboration

The collaboration among Jews with the Nazi regime took different forms:

Primary Collaboration in Camp Systems: Many Jews working in the camp systems served as informants, helping to move prisoners into gas chambers and manage the disposal of bodies. This type of collaboration was primarily driven by the desire to protect themselves and their families. Collaboration on the Outside: A smaller number of Jews collaborated with the Nazis on the outside, often seeking to protect themselves. However, many of these individuals were likely to find themselves back in the system eventually. Exceptional Passes: A smaller group managed to serve with the support of influential members of the military and Nazi party. These were rare cases, often due to personal patronage.

It is crucial to understand that organizations like the SS enforce strict racial restrictions, but subordinate organizations were less rigidly enforced. Non-Jewish Russian nationals, captured by the Soviet military, were often added to foreign-only formations to fight on the Eastern Front. The Waffen SS and Wehrmacht were not as strict, allowing some individuals with Jewish heritage to serve, although often marked as exceptions.

In conclusion, the issue of Jewish collaboration during WWII is complex and multifaceted. It involves understanding the motivations, the context, and the broader historical and social factors. This exploration helps us gain a more nuanced understanding of the events of that time.