New Exhibition at Museum of Jewish Heritage Explores Rescue of Danish Jews

The rescue of the Danish Jews during the Holocaust was a monumental feat coordinated by Danish neighbors of all ages, religions and backgrounds, and saved nearly 95 percent of Denmark’s Jewish population. A new exhibition at the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust (36 Battery Pl.) tells the story of one of modern history’s greatest instances of mass resistance and escape. 

The exhibition, titled “Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark,” combines creative storytelling and immersive, state-of-the-art technology by the award-winning studio Local Projects. Visitors will learn about the bravery and resilience required to overcome the vicious prejudice faced by Jews during the Holocaust. Aimed at elementary-aged children aged 9 and up, “Courage to Act” inspires young visitors to reflect on the importance of compassion and community in their own lives.

The exhibition also tells the story of “Gerda III,” now docked at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut. “Gerda III” was one of multiple small vessels used to secretly ferry Danish Jews across the Øresund Sound to Sweden in her cargo hold via planned detours from her official lighthouse duties. In total, “Gerda III” saved an estimated 300 Jews.

For timed tickets to “Courage to Act,” hours of operation and more information about the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, visit the museum’s website.