Rescue of the Jews of Zakynthos: What Happened
During the German occupation of Greece, the entire Jewish community of the island of Zakynthos, numbering around 275 people, survived the Holocaust, thanks to the courage of local leaders and islanders. After Italy surrendered in 1943, German forces took control of the island. According to the widely told account, the German authorities ordered Mayor Loukas Karrer to provide a list of the island's Jews. Karrer and the Orthodox Metropolitan of Zakynthos, Bishop Chrysostomos, refused to hand over the names of anyone except themselves. Some accounts say Chrysostomos gave the Germans a list with only his own name and the mayor's. Meanwhile, the Jewish residents were warned and hidden by Christian families in the island's mountain villages. When the Germans withdrew in 1944, all of the island's Jews had survived. Some historians have noted that details of the story, including the famous list, have been embellished over time, but the rescue itself is well documented. In 1978, Yad Vashem in Israel honored Chrysostomos and Karrer as Righteous Among the Nations. A memorial stands in Zakynthos today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the Jews of Zakynthos saved?
The entire Jewish community of Zakynthos, around 275 people, survived the Holocaust because local leaders refused to hand them over and islanders hid them.
Who saved the Jews of Zakynthos?
Mayor Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos of Zakynthos refused German demands for a list of Jews, while Christian families hid them in mountain villages.
What is the story of the list?
According to the widely told account, the bishop gave the Germans a list with only his own name and the mayor's. Some historians say this detail was embellished.
Were Karrer and Chrysostomos honored?
Yes. In 1978, Yad Vashem in Israel honored Bishop Chrysostomos and Mayor Karrer as Righteous Among the Nations.
Is there a memorial in Zakynthos?
Yes. A memorial in Zakynthos town honors the bishop and the mayor who protected the island's Jewish community.
