Crossing borders during the Holocaust was one of the ways by which the Jews saved themselves, while overcoming the many difficulties and dangers which could occur on the way. Border crossings took place along the length and breadth of Europe for destinations which stretched from the Soviet Union in the east to Spain and Portugal in the west.
It is important to note that the possibilities of crossing the border and escape into a neighboring country depended in many cases upon where the Jews found themselves, since very often the neighboring countries were themselves under Nazi control. In many instances, Jews who attempted to cross various borders encountered a succession of obstacles. First, there were the natural obstacles in the form of mountains, valleys and rivers. But beyond these were human obstacles, in the form of German policemen and the local inhabitants, which were many times more difficult. The latter were the main obstacles which prevented the Jews from crossing the frontiers in order to save their lives.
Many of the organizations which aided the border crossing effort chose to smuggle mainly Jewish youth and children, in the hope that they would be able to build the next generation of the Jewish People. The stories of cross-border smuggling are breath-taking and in many cases seem unbelievable. A few of these stories are set out before you in the next chapter.
