Historian Susanne Heim Analyzes Jewish Refugee Barriers in WWII Europe

Historian Susanne Heim's work examines how Jewish refugees faced closed borders during WWII. Her analysis in "Die Abschottung der Welt" traces the development of exclusionary policies from 1933-1945, showing how escape routes became blocked after Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939 and subsequent Western campaigns. By 1940-1941, Marseille remained one of few remaining exit points from Europe, where thousands awaited uncertain overseas passage while facing surveillance and denunciation. Heim's research connects historical border restrictions to contemporary issues.