During the 1930’s, the Nazi party seized power in Germany, and antisemitic legislation was introduced. Starting in the 1940’s, Jewish persecutions took place in several European countries which forced Jews to flee their homes and seek refuge in Portugal, among many other countries.
Portugal was a neutral country during the Second World War, and its harbours offered the possibility of leaving Europe. Therefore tens of thousands of refugees arrived in Lisbon in order to flee to the USA, Brazil or elsewhere. The members of the Portuguese Jewish community played an important role in helping the refugees.