1942, A Singular Year:—Eighty Years since Brazil’s Entry into World War II—Participation in the War and Its Impact on the Brazilian Jewish Community

2022 marks 80 years of relevant historical events for Brazil and the world, the events of 1942, a unique year in the history of Brazil`s fantastic participation in World War II, the “turning point” of a peaceful and still rural country, attacked by powerful Nazi Germany, employing an ultra-modern weapon, the submarine, for which Brazil had not a suitable response.

In 1942, some remarkable and significant events took place, such as the Consultation Meeting of American Republics Chancellors, Entry of Brazil in World War and Death of Stefan Zweig – a Silent Protest, which took place in the historic city of Petrópolis, in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

The years 1942 and 1943 were a dark period for Brazilian Maritime History, when Nazi and Italian submarines sank 37 national ships, with the loss of 972 precious Brazilian lives. In only one week in August 1942, Nazi submarine U-507, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Harro Schacht, sunk five Brazilian ships, with 607 people disappearing at sea. The popular clamor determined the declaration of war on the Axis countries, on 31st of August of the singular year 1942.

This paper analyzes participation and impact of these facts on the Brazilian Jewish Community, especially the presence of approximately 60 Jewish soldiers, sailors and airmen in the Brazilian land, sea and air forces that fought during World War II on the Brazilian coast and in the Italian Theater of Operations, under the 5th. US Army.

Keywords: World War II, Brazil, 1942.

Israel Blajberg

Rio de janeiro Brazil

iblaj@telecom.uff.br