Unveiling the Dynamics Behind the Holocaust in Hungary: A New Perspective on Unfolding Events and Enduring Debates

Moshe Barides

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Unveiling the Dynamics Behind the Holocaust in Hungary

A New Perspective on Unfolding Events and Enduring Debates

Moshe Barides

Language: English

Published/Copyright: 2025

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This book is in the series

De Gruyter Series in Holocaust Studies and Antisemitism

About this book

The Holocaust in Hungary was characterized by the collaboration between the Hungarian government and the German occupiers. It resulted in the systematic murder of a significant portion of Hungary's Jewish population, primarily during a short period between May and July 1944. This destruction represents one of the most perplexing chapters in Holocaust history. The book argues that it was primarily orchestrated by one man, Adolf Eichmann, influenced by four key factors: Nazi ideology, Hungarian antisemitism and collaboration, the compliance of the Jewish Council, and the passive role of influential figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt. The book further argues that Rudolf Kasztner and the Jewish Council acted mainly out of fear. Their compliance significantly shaped Eichmann's decisions and enabled him to rely on Hungarian help to gather victims. Bystanders, too, not only failed to save Jews—despite options available—but also influenced Eichmann's actions. Incorporating a novel analytical framework for analyzing risk factors and triggers for genocide, and highlighting bystander responsibilities, Moshe Barides proposes new terminology to help prevent future atrocities.

Author / Editor information

Moshe Barides received his doctorate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Gratz College. A professor specializing in Jewish Studies and History, he has taught at Touro University for nearly a decade. He has participated in multiple long-term research projects, including extensive work on the Holocaust in Hungary. An ordained rabbi, he has served Brooklyn’s Sephardic community and authored several books on Jewish law.

Reviews

“Moshe Barides approaches the Holocaust in Hungary with academic rigor and innovative thought. His nuanced analysis of the interplay between triggers and risk factors provides new understandings for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Additionally, he approaches the role and decision-making of Eichmann with new insights that will shape how we conceptualize the role of complicit bystanders and perpetrators of genocide.”– Carson Phillips, Gratz College, Pennsylvania, USA.

Topics

Frontmatter Open Access Download PDF	I
Open-Access-Transformation in History Open Access Download PDF	VII
Acknowledgments Open Access Download PDF	V
Contents Open Access Download PDF	IX
Introduction Open Access Download PDF	1
Chapter 1 The Historical Events that Unfolded in Hungary During World War II Open Access Download PDF	6
Chapter 2 Negotiations and Rescue Efforts Open Access Download PDF	11
Chapter 3 Examining Risk Factors and Triggers for Genocide Open Access Download PDF	19
Chapter 4 Nazi Ideology and Hungarian Antisemitism Open Access Download PDF	43
Chapter 5 Understanding Victims’ Perspective: Compliance Behavior Open Access Download PDF	54
Chapter 6 The Nazi Determination to Execute the Holocaust in Hungary Open Access Download PDF	73
Chapter 7 Adolf Eichmann Open Access Download PDF	80
Chapter 8 Eichmann’s Approach During His Interviews and Trial Open Access Download PDF	92
Chapter 9 Hungary’s Role in the Holocaust Open Access Download PDF	98
Chapter 10 The Controversy Surrounding the Jewish Council Open Access Download PDF	108
Chapter 11 The Kasztner Affair: Unveiling the Complexities Open Access Download PDF	123
Chapter 12 Analysis of Risk Assessments and Triggers for the Holocaust in Hungary Open Access Download PDF	136
Chapter 13 The role of External Parties like Britain, FDR, or Jewish Groups as Bystanders Open Access Download PDF	148
Chapter 14 Conclusions Open Access Download PDF	158
Chapter 15 Insights into Recent Developments and Research Open Access Download PDF	172
Appendices Open Access Download PDF	185
Bibliography Open Access Download PDF	199
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed

Publishing information

Pages and Images/Illustrations in book

eBook published on:

August 21, 2025

eBook ISBN:

9783111622767

Hardcover published on:

August 21, 2025

Hardcover ISBN:

9783111622316

Pages and Images/Illustrations in book

Front matter:

10

Main content:

212

Illustrations:

28

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783111622767

eBook ISBN: 9783111622767

Hardcover ISBN: 9783111622316

Keywords for this book

Adolf Eichmann; collaboration; Jewish Council; Hungary

Audience(s) for this book

Students & professors of History, Holocaust & Genocide Studies, Jewish Studies, Political Science; journalists, policymakers

Creative Commons

BY 4.0

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Walter de Gruyter GmbH
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10785 Berlin
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Unveiling the Dynamics Behind the Holocaust in Hungary

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About this book

Author / Editor information

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