Serbia

   The number of Jews living in Serbia at the start of World War II was approximately 12,000 with 8,000 residing in Belgrade. Following the German occupation of Yugoslavia in April 1941, Serbia was placed under a military administration. Between the end of April and mid-June 1941, the Germans issued numerous directives in regard to the Jews. For example, Jews were required to register and wear the yellow Star of David badge. In early May, Jews were forced into labor brigades, and by the end of the month, they were removed from the country’s economic life. The Aryanization of Jewish property began in July. The economic measures against the Jews were accompanied by violence on the part of the German troops. In August 1941, the Germans set up three internment camps for male Jews. Since the death camps were not as yet operational, the Germans resorted to shooting Jews on a daily basis. By mid-November 1941, 5,000 male Jews had been murdered by German troops. In December, Jewish women and children were interned and shot by the Germans. By mid-1942, Serbia was Judenfrei (free of Jews). In all, Jewish losses in Serbia are estimated at 30,000.