Einsatzgruppe Egypt facts for kids
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The Einsatzgruppe Egypt (German: Einsatzgruppe Ägypten) was a special unit of the SS, a powerful group in Nazi Germany. It was led by an SS officer named Walther Rauff. This unit was created in Greece during World War II.
Einsatzgruppen were special groups that operated in areas controlled by Germany. Historians Klaus-Michael Mallmann and Martin Cüppers have studied old documents about this unit. They believe its main goal was to round up Jewish people in Palestine and Egypt. Even though the documents don't say "Palestine," the historians think that was the unit's target.
The unit was quite small, with only 24 men. Because of this, historians believe they would have needed help from local people. They also would have needed support from the Afrika Korps, a German army group. On July 20, 1942, Rauff went to Tobruk to meet with Rommel, the leader of the Afrika Korps. However, Rommel was far away, fighting in the First Battle of El Alamein. So, it's unlikely they ever met.
Another historian, Haim Saadon, has a different view. He says Rauff's documents show his main concern was helping the German army. Saadon believes Rauff planned to put Jewish people into forced labor camps, not to kill them. Luckily, Jewish people in North Africa mostly avoided the worst parts of the Nazi plans.
The plans for the Einsatzgruppe Egypt were stopped. This happened after the Allied forces won an important battle, the Second Battle of El Alamein.
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What Was the Einsatzgruppe Egypt?
The Einsatzgruppe Egypt was a special unit formed by the SS during World War II. It was created in Greece, which was under German control at the time. This unit was part of a larger group known as the Einsatzgruppen. These groups were sent into areas that Germany had taken over.
Who Led This Special Unit?
The leader of the Einsatzgruppe Egypt was an SS officer named Walther Rauff. He was in charge of the unit's operations and plans. Rauff's role was to carry out the tasks assigned to his group by the Nazi leadership.
What Was Their Secret Plan?
Historians Klaus-Michael Mallmann and Martin Cüppers studied old records to understand the unit's purpose. They found that the unit's main goal was to target Jewish communities. The plan was to go to Palestine and Egypt. There, they intended to round up Jewish people. This was part of the Nazis' terrible plans against Jewish populations.
Why Was the Unit So Small?
The Einsatzgruppe Egypt had only 24 members. This was a very small number for such a big task. Because of its size, historians believe the unit would have needed a lot of help. They would have relied on local people in the areas they entered. They also expected support from the Afrika Korps, a German army group fighting in North Africa.
Did They Meet the Afrika Korps?
Walther Rauff tried to connect with the Afrika Korps leader, Rommel. On July 20, 1942, Rauff traveled to Tobruk to meet him. However, Rommel was far away, busy fighting in the First Battle of El Alamein. This battle was happening about 500 kilometers from Tobruk. So, it's very unlikely that Rauff and Rommel were able to meet up.
How Were Jewish People Affected?
Another historian, Haim Saadon, looked at Rauff's documents. He found that Rauff's main focus was to help the German army. Saadon suggests Rauff's plan for Jewish people was to put them into forced labor camps. Compared to other regions, Jewish people in North Africa were fortunate. They largely escaped the worst parts of the Nazis' terrible plans.
Why Were Their Plans Stopped?
The plans for the Einsatzgruppe Egypt never happened. The unit's mission was put aside after a major event. This was the Allied victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein. This battle was a turning point in World War II. The Allied forces won, which changed the course of the war in North Africa. This victory meant the German plans for the region, including those of the Einsatzgruppe Egypt, were no longer possible.
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