Greek Jewry during the Fourth of August Regime, 1936-1941 (St Antony's Series)

Exploring an often overlooked period, this book delves into the treatment of Greek Jews under the dictatorship of Ioannis Metaxas in the years preceding the Second World War. The book presents a groundbreaking contribution to Greek history, the history of Greek anti-Semitism, and sheds light on attitudes towards Jews during the interwar period. Drawing on unpublished archival sources and Holocaust survivor testimonies, it examines how the Jews fit (and did not fit) into Metaxas's vision for Greece.

Almost 86% of Greek Jews died in the Holocaust, leading many to assume this was due to Metaxas and his fascist ideology. However, the situation in Greece was far more complex. In fact, Metaxas often attempted to quash anti-Semitism through his policies. The Fourth of August Regime and Greek Jewry, 1936-1941 provides a nuanced understanding of this period, challenging the prevailing narrative.

The book's focus on this traditionally underexplored period offers a unique perspective on the experiences of Greek Jews during the Metaxas dictatorship. By examining previously unpublished archival sources and Holocaust survivor accounts, the author sheds new light on the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards Jews in Greece during the interwar years.

The book's contribution to Greek history, the history of Greek anti-Semitism, and the broader understanding of attitudes towards Jews in the pre-war period is significant. It challenges the simplistic view that the high death toll of Greek Jews in the Holocaust was solely due to Metaxas's fascist policies, and instead presents a more nuanced and complex picture of the situation.

The author's meticulous research and use of primary sources, including archival materials and Holocaust survivor testimonies, add depth and credibility to the work. The book's exploration of how the Jews fit (and did not fit) into Metaxas's vision for Greece provides a unique perspective on the relationship between the regime and the Jewish community during this turbulent period.

Overall, The Fourth of August Regime and Greek Jewry, 1936-1941 offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this often overlooked chapter in Greek history. By challenging the prevailing narratives and shedding new light on the complexities of the Metaxas dictatorship and its impact on the Jewish community, the book opens up new avenues for further research and debate.

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