Jewish Council (Judenrat)

The Nazis established Jewish Councils (German: Judenrat, pl. Judenräte) to implement enforcement of Nazi policy in Jewish communities. Often condemned as collaborationists, Judenrat members had no authority of their own and were bound to comply with Nazi orders. The Nazis required Jewish Councils to deliver lists of Jews and assemble community members for deportations and labor. Failure to comply or enforce orders resulted in reprisals, including deportation or execution.