EXTERMINATION OF THE LATVIAN JEWS IN 1941
Margers Vestermanis (son of Avraham Vesterman)
Director of the "'Jews in Latvia" Museum/Documentation Centre

Remarks on the time periods of the history of Holocaust and on the
"white spots" of historiography

Similar to other Easter European countries that have regained their
independence Latvia is now seeking to "conquer its past". One of the
peculiarities of this complex and sometimes controversial process in
the postcommunist Baltic states is the massive confrontation of the
society with the crimes of Stalinist past, at a time when neither the
scholarly research nor the ethical assessment of war-time history have
given clear answers as to the tragic legacy of the Nazi occupation.
This legacy concerns not only the Holocaust extermination of 75.000
Latvian Jews and several thousand Jews from Western Europe, Lithuania
and Hungary) but also the political terror spread by the extreme
nationalists who used the change of occupying powers for the purpose
of eliminating the "politically undesirable elements" (12.000 - 15.000
victims). The persecutions of their fellow-nationals animated the
extremists to direct the same kind of actions against the Jews. Nazis
exploited their readiness to violence in order to engage a significant
number of the nationalist activists in the Jews' termination program.
The current tendency to allow these events only a marginal place in
the national history gives rise to concerns as to how democratic is
the process of'"conquering the past".

Two time periods should be clearly distinguished in the history of
extermination of the Latvian Jews. The first period covers the summer
of 1941, with massive killings of Jews in the rural areas and selected
killings of male Jews he cities (in Riga alone at least 5.000 victims;
around 35.000 victims in the lie of Latvia, as of October 15, 1941).
The extermination of the Jews in this phase is not yet strictly
centralized, the commandos of the Security Police and carry out
individual bigger actions on their own responsibility (in Jelgava,
Riga,Daugavpils, Rezekne etc.). A significant role was played by the
anti-Jewish atives undertaken by the Kommandanturs of Wehrmacht. The
largest number murders was committed by a local volunteer killing unit
(the Arajs commando). Occasionally the execution campaigns were
assisted by the Wehrmacht, German marines (in Liepaja), and individual
subunits of the 9th, 13th, ', and other police battalions. There is no
evidence to the frequently-heard assertion that the annihilation of
Jews in Latvia was already under way before the man invasion. However,
there is no denying that without the complicity of local units of
self-defence (later, auxiliary police) in the actions against the s,
the rural areas of Latvia would not have been "cleansed" as rapidly
and as thoroughly as they were, nor would it have been possible to
carry out the massive imprisionment actions in the cities on such a
big scale.

The second period of the total ethnocide began in November - December,
1941. The elimination of Jews by now had become strictly centralized,
led and overseen by the Higher SS and Police Leader in Ostland in
accordance with the instructions from Berlin. There was no place
anymore for "local initiatives", the participation of the Latvian
police and Schutzmannschaft in the massacres was held under a strong
German control. By the end of December, 1941 the "final solution" for
Latvia was practically achieved: out of the total of 75.000 Jews
living in Latvia before the occupation only some 6.000 persons had
escaped death, mainly in the "Small ghetto" of Riga and in small camps
in Liepaja and Daugavpils. When the transfer of the surviving Jews to
the "Kaiserwald-Riga" concentration camp was completed in autumn,
1943, their number had further decreased by 1.500. In a year, when
they were deported to the concentration camps in Germany, no more than
4.000 persons had remained. Out of these only the fourth part survived
the war. Some 350 Jews were saved in Latvia by the non-Jewish
nationals.

The history of Holocaust in Latvia on the whole is well known. 26
books of memories have been published. A number of historians (G.
Schneider, D. Levin, H.-H. Wilhelm) have published researches on
specific aspects of the theme. In 1997, A. Ezergailis published a
significant study, first of its kind, on the general history of
Holocaust in Latvia. This allows us to have now a clearer perspective
on the "white spots" of the history of Holocaust.

One of the questions still unclarified concerns the content of the
orders received by the SD Einsatzgruppen. Were they from the very
start secret "Fuhrerbefehl" which demanded immediate and total
extermination of the Jews? If that is the case, it is not clear how
the Wehrmacht' s "Wirtschatskommando" and later, the Nazi civil
administration could manage to slow down the pace of extermination on
the grounds of necessity to preserve the Jewish labour force.

An important issue for the national historiography is the mechanism of
engaging the self-defence units in the massacres: was it an order
given directly by the SD, or did the SD only encourage such
involvement? In accordance with the infamous instruction of the RSHA,
it was prohibited to "leave traces" and to give written orders. Other
sources, like the Soviet Extraordinary Commision, KGB interrogation
protocols and memories of the participants of the massacres do not
confirm the hypothesis of forceful submittance to the orders. The
Jewish historians, on their part, are more interested in the tragedy
of their kinsmen, but there are very few authentic testimonies on the
extermination of the Jews in the rural areas; there is only one diary
that describes these events (Seine Gram from Preih).

Little investigation has been made on how the victims reacted to the
direct threat of death. The Jewish Documentation Centre has gathered
information on the waves of mass suicide, on the efforts of the
victims to preserve their national consciousness and human dignity
(police reports, ghetto folklore, diaries), on the attempts of
resistance. The Jews have been often criticized for their fatalist
attitudes but one should bear in mind that the Jewish capacity to
resistance was dependant on the support it received from the society.

The indifference of the overwhelming majority of the Latvian society
to the tragedy of the Jewish people is best illustrated by the
underground literature circulated around in the occupied Latvia: the
Holocaust was not even mentioned neither in the publications issued by
the Latvian Central Council, nor in the procommunist and other
underground publications.

The question of the reaction of the Latvian society towards the
Holocaust has been touched upon only by A. Ezergailis. The conception
of Latvia as a country plunged into general anti-Semitism should be
unequivocally rejected. The mass passivity was rather determined by
the weakness of Latvian democracy, undermined by the Ulmanis
authoritarian regime, and the Soviet deportations which affected the
liberal intelligencia and social democrats. The Nazi terror delivered
the last blow to the democratic forces. Considering these
circumstances, the courage of the people who supported the Jews and
concealed them at the risk of their own lives deserves even greater
appreciation. The number of the non-Jews who saved the Jewish people
together with their family members and confidants could have reached
several thousand persons. The materials gathered by the Documentation
Centre show that the acts of solidarity and saving were religiously
motivated. Baptists and Adventists were the most responsive in this
respect, followed by Catholics and members of other confessions; as to
their social background, the rescuers belonged predominantly to the
middle and semiproletarian classes. From the geographical point of
view, the people of Latgale displayed comparatively greater readiness
to help the Jews than the people of other regions.

Up to now the researchers of Holocaust have mainly concentrated on the
mechanisms of extermination and the balance of the victims. In the
future investigations more attention should be devoted to the moral
demeanour of the individuals under the extreme conditions of terror in
the context of social reaction.
--------------------------------------
( In a letter found on the internet Margers Vestermanis wrote...All my
relatives perished, but I survived the concentration camps in Riga and
Dundaga. I escaped from there and hid in the forests of Kurland during
the summer of 1944 till May 9th, 1945....)
Some reports to Yad vashem;
Westerman Abram
Abram Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1884. He was married to
Rachel nee Rabuchin. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia. During
the war was in Riga, Latvia. Abram died in 1942 in Latvia. This
information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 20/01/1983 by
his relative PEVZNER POLINA
Vesterman Rachel
Rachel Vesterman nee Rabukhin was born in Riga, Latvia in 1889 to
Israil and Sofiya. She was married to Abram. Prior to WWII she lived
in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Rachel died in
1942 in Latvia. This information is based on a Page of Testimony
submitted by her niece: PEVZNER POLINA
Sofiya Vesterman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1922 to Abram and Rakhel.
Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga,
Latvia. Sofiya died in 1942 in Latvia. This information is based on a
Page of Testimony submitted on 20/01/1983 by her cousin PEVZNER POLINA
Westerman Aron
Aron Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1918 to Abram and Rakhel.
Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga,
Latvia. Aron died in 1942 in Latvia. This information is based on a
Page of Testimony submitted on 20/02/1983 by his cousin
PEVSNER / KLIOT POLINA

Westerman Chaja
Chaja Westerman was born in Birzai, Lithuania in 1887 to Khaim and
Dvora. She was a housewife and married to Zalman. Prior to WWII she
lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Chaja died
in 1943 in Riga, Latvia. This information is based on a Page of
Testimony submitted on 27/03/1957 by her daughter Dvora Hyman
Zalman Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1885. He was a merchant
and married to Khaia. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia. During
the war was in Riga, Latvia. Zalman died in 1943 in Riga, Latvia. This
information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 27/03/1957 by
his daughter Dvora Hyman More
Westerman Jakov
Jakov Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1908 to Zalman and
Khava. He was a merchant and married to Roza nee Blumental. Prior to
WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia.
Jakov died in 1943 in Riga, Latvia. This information is based on a
Page of Testimony submitted on 27/02/1957 by his sister Dvora Hyman
Westerman Roza
Roza Westerman nee Blumental was born in Tukum, Latvia in 1906. She
was a housewife and married to Yaakov. Prior to WWII she lived in
Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Roza died in 1943 in
Riga, Latvia. This information is based on a Page of Testimony
submitted on 27/08/1957 by her sister-in-law Dvora Hyman .
Ytzhak Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1924 to Yaakov and Roza.
He was a pupil and single. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia.
During the war was in Riga, Latvia. He died in 1943 in Riga, Latvia.
This information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on
27/03/1957 by his aunt Dvora Hyman
Westerman Zalman
Zalman Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1922 to Yaakov and
Roza. He was a pupil and single. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga,
Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Zalman died in 1943 in
Riga, Latvia. This information is based on a Page of Testimony
submitted on 27/09/1957 by his aunt Dvora Hyman .
Szajna Smerkowitz was born in Riga, Latvia in 1902 to Zalman and
Khaia Westerman. She was a housewife and married to Hirsh. Prior to
WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia.
Szajna died in 1943 in Riga, Latvia with daughters; Tania ( born 1925)
and Sara (born 1924) and husband Hirsh. This information is based on a
Page of Testimony submitted on 27/03/1957 by her sister Dvora Hyman

Westerman Hude
Hude Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1866. She was a housewife
and married to Lipa. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia. During
the war was in Riga, Latvia. Hude died in 1943 in Riga, Latvia. This
information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 27/03/1957 by
her relative Dvora Hyman

Markus Sara
Sara Markus nee Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1912 to Lopa
and Hude. She was a housewife. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga,
Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Sara died in 1943 in Riga,
Latvia. This information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on
27/03/1957 by her cousin Dvora Hyman

. Westerman Chana
Chana Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1910 to Zalman and
Khava. She was a housewife and single. Prior to WWII she lived in
Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Chana died in 1944 .
This information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on
27/03/1957 by her sister Dvora Hyman

Westerman Szymszon
Szymszon Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1880. He was a
merchant and married to Roza. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia.
During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Szymszon died in 1942 in Riga,
Latvia. This information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on
08/04/1957 by his niece Dvora Hyman ...
Dolgicer Sara
Sara Dolgicer nee Vesterman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1922 to
Shimshon and Roza. She was a housewife and married. Prior to WWII she
lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Sara died
in 1942 in Riga, Latvia. This information is based on a Page of
Testimony submitted on 08/04/1957 by her cousin Dvora Hyman

Westerman Abram
Abram Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1923 to Shimshon and
Roza. He was a clerk and single. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga,
Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Abram died in 1942 in
Riga, Latvia. This information is based on a Page of Testimony
submitted on 08/04/1957 by his cousin Dvora Hyman

Westerman Roza
Roza Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1882. She was a housewife
and married to Shimshon. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia.
During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Roza died in 1942 in Riga, Latvia.
This information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on
08/04/1957 by her niece Dvora Hyman
Dolgicer Nechama
Nechama Dolgicer nee Vesterman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1920 to
Shimshon and Roza. She was a housewife and married. Prior to WWII she
lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Nechama
died in Riga, Latvia. This information is based on a Page of Testimony
submitted on 08/04/1957 by her cousin Dvora Hyman

Westerman Abraham
Abraham Westerman was born in Liepaja, Latvia in 1908 to Samuel and
Chaja. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in
Riga, Latvia. Abraham died in 1941 in Riga, Latvia. This information
is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 05/12/1978 by his sister
Rachel from Israel.
Chaia Vesterman was born in Birzai, Lithuania in 1870. She was a baker
and married to Zalman. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia. During
the war was in Riga, Latvia. She died in 1942 in Rumbule. This
information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 12/06/2002 by
her great-granddaughter Berta TZELMALE
Westerman Hude
Hude Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1866. She was a housewife
and married to Lipa. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia. During
the war was in Riga, Latvia. Hude died in 1943 in Riga, Latvia. This
information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 27/03/1957 by
her relative. Dvora Hyman ...

Westerman Josef
Josef Westerman was born in Lithuania. He was a merchant and
married. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in
Riga, Latvia. Josef died in 1940 in Riga, Latvia. This information is
based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 05/01/1957 by his
brother-in-law.
Sofiya Vesterman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1922 to Abram and
Rakhel. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in
Riga, Latvia. Sofiya died in 1942 in Latvia. This information is based
on a Page of Testimony submitted on 20/01/1983 by her cousin
Westerman Maria
Maria Westerman nee Gamsa was born in Riga, Latvia to Samuel and
Naomi. She was married to Julius. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga,
Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Maria died in Riga, Latvia
at the age of 37. This information is based on a Page of Testimony
submitted on 01/01/1990 by her cousin from United kingdom.
Westerman Alexander
Alexander Westerman was born in Riga, Latvia to Julius and Masha
Gamsa. He was a child. Prior to WWII he lived in Riga, Latvia. During
the war was in Riga, Latvia. Alexander died in Riga, Latvia at the age
of 5. This information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on
01/01/1990 by his relative from United kingdom

Rasha Vesterman nee Khait was born in Radviliskis, Lithuania to Hirsh
and Pesya. She was a cook. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia.
During the war was in Riga, Latvia. She died in Riga, Latvia. This
information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted on 01/01/1990 by
her daughter from Latvia. PLINER
Submitter's Last Name VESTERMAN
Submitter's First Name ROKHA
Vesterman Tereza
Tereza Vesterman was born in Riga, Latvia in 1923 to Shmuel and Etel
Mizrokh. She was a pupil. Prior to WWII she lived in Riga, Latvia.
During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Tereza died in 1941 in Riga,
Latvia at the age of 18. This information is based on a Page of
Testimony submitted by her brother VESTERMAN HIRSH
Masha Westerman nee Gamsa was born in Riga, Latvia in 1906 to Samuel
and Naomi. She was a housewife and married to Julius. Prior to WWII
she lived in Riga, Latvia. During the war was in Riga, Latvia. Masha
died in 1941 in Latvia. This information is based on a Page of
Testimony submitted on 11/04/1999 by her cousin Leon Gamsha
A Westerman who is related to me ( Eilat);
Rachel Westerman nee Friedman was born in Birzai, Lithuania in 1905 to
Leib Friedman and Asne Even. She was a clerk and married to Boris.
Prior to WWII she lived in Birzai, Lithuania. During the war was in
Birzai, Lithuania. Rachel died in 1941 in Birzai, Lithuania at the age
of 36. This information is based on a Page of Testimony submitted by
her sister from Kibbutz Yagur
Submitter's Last Name KOBLENTZ
Submitter's First Name BATIA ( nee Friedman)