The Gestapo wrote daily reports on arrests. They illustrate how Jews were restricted by anti-Jewish regulations and punished for everyday behavior. For example for exceeding curfew or pretending to be "non-Jews."
From 1938 on it was forbidden for Jews to enter parks and theaters, or to practice certain professions (e.g. doctor). Some defied these prohibitions and thus risked punishment, consciously or accidently. Gestapo reports show that in the period from September to October 1940, more than 100 persons of Jewish origin were sentenced to a fine for exceeding curfew and forbidden cinema and theater attendance. From 1941, this offense meant deportation.
"Tagesbericht Gestapo Wien Nr. 7, 21.-23.9.1943, Datenbank Gestapo-Opfer DÖW (Sign.: Tagesrapport, Nr.7 vom 21 Sep - 23 Sep 1943, 006)
This image shows a part of a Gestapo day report written in September 1943 concerning Margarete Beck
[English translation of the report]
about 7) Jews On 21.9.1943 the Jewess Margarethe Henriette S. Beck née Mihaly, 8.2.1910 Vienna b., DRA., rk, m., Vienna, II, Glockengasse 8a wh., arrested. She lives in a childless mixed marriage and has repeatedly visited restaurants, cinemas and theaters. During personal identification she concealed her Jewish origin. Protective custody will be requested against her."
Here in the first district, just like today, there were pubs, cinemas and theaters. Read the Gestapo's daily report on the arrest of Margarete Beck.
- For a person with Jewish origins, do you think it was an act of resistance to visit entertainment venues during the Nazi era? Explain why or why not.
Margarete Beck (*1910) lived in the second district. After her Gestapo detention in Vienna, she was deported to Auschwitz in November 1943, where she was killed.