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Memories of the Occupation in Greece

Jews in Hiding

Zafiria Kone is a Greek Jew from Larisa. During the occupation of Greece, she was hidden with her family in the mountains. Photo: Dimitris Polidoropoulos

Zafiria Kone is a Greek Jew from Larisa. During the occupation of Greece, she was hidden with her family in the mountains. Photo: Dimitris Polidoropoulos

Many Christians hid Jewish families and friends in their homes or helped them to escape under the threat of severe punishment. Particularly in Central Greece, this made it possible to rescue many Jewish children. These survivors are called “hidden children” (“krymmena paidia”) in Greece. The National Liberation Font (EAM) made an important contribution to the rescue of many Jews. It is estimated that nearly 600 Jews were active in the military branch of the EAM, the Greek National Liberation Army ELAS, as active fighters, but also as doctors or interpreters. In the reports from contemporary witnesses of these times, all of these different aspects are mentioned.