To escape from Germany approximately 930 Jews left the harbour of Hamburg on the St. Louis. It was their intention to disembark in Cuba. The Cuban authorities did not allow them to enter the country because most of them were only in the possession of a (temporary) tourist visa. The United States denied the passengers access as well. The ship and almost its entire crew then returned to Europe. England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands agreed to admit the passsengers. The Netherlands admitted 181 people. 254 of the St. Louis passengers were murdered during the war.
Term
St. Louis
Passenger ship with over 900 Jewish passengers, that left the harbour of Hamburg in 1939. The passengers unsuccessfully requested asylum in Cuba, after which the ship returned to Europe.
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