In the picturesque setting of the Danish Riviera, a region comprising charming fishing villages along the coast, an extraordinary story of courage and compassion from 80 years ago is set to be commemorated. Gilleleje, a quaint town in this coastal stretch, is preparing to unveil a new monument marking the 80th anniversary of a remarkable act of collective resistance during World War II.

Back in October 1943, this serene coastal area became a lifeline for Danish Jews seeking to escape the horrors of Nazi occupation. Facing the threat of deportation and potential death in concentration camps, these Danish Jews found hope in the form of their fellow countrymen, particularly the brave fishermen and residents of Gilleleje.

The backdrop of this historic tale is one of idyllic Scandinavian beauty, with apple-laden trees, pink roses in bloom, and day trippers savoring fish and chips by the quay. Just 10 nautical miles away lay the coast of Sweden, a symbol of freedom visible on the horizon.

The story unfolds in a Denmark under German occupation. In a bid to quell the growing resistance movement, Hitler ordered the roundup of Danish Jews in September, scheduled for early October 1943.

Lisa Tomlinson, a local tour guide, retraces the town's history through six memorial plaques, beginning at the humble train station. She explained that the Danish Resistance had grown bolder, with strikes and sabotage in August 1943, prompting Hitler's harsh response.

However, something Hitler had failed to grasp was the deep-rooted unity among the Danish people. Despite their Jewish identity, these were Danish citizens who would come to each other's aid in times of crisis.

Gilleleje, with its close-knit population of around 1,700, was a fishing town where everyone knew each other. German soldiers were a visible presence, stationed at a nearby hotel, and the Gestapo lurked nearby. Despite the risks, the locals rallied to assist the fleeing Jews. They provided safe houses, food, blankets, and collected funds to support those who couldn't afford the journey.

This sense of responsibility to aid those in peril was particularly strong among the fishing community of Gilleleje. They understood the value of cooperation, forming a social network to provide refuge.

The mobilization was swift, as the townspeople helped fleeing Jews find shelter and guided them to the train stations. From there, the perilous journey across the Øresund Strait to Sweden awaited them, with locals even assisting in this treacherous sea crossing.

Tove Udsholt, one of the few survivors of that time, recounts her experiences. She and her mother arrived in Gilleleje, her mother having spent their last money on a return train ticket to avoid suspicion. With the help of locals, they found a hiding place, but the Gestapo arrested a group of Jews hiding in the church attic nearby.

Upon hearing of this, Udsholt's group had to flee immediately. Her mother made a difficult decision to temporarily part with her young daughter, knowing that fishermen with children on board might face grave consequences.

Udsholt was sheltered by a fisherman's family, while her mother remained hidden in the hay loft. She vividly remembers looking across the water to Sweden, where her mother was, during those trying times.

Throughout October 1943, similar acts of courage occurred along the Danish coast. In Nivå, approximately 600 Danish Jews found refuge in the kiln of a brickwork factory before embarking on a perilous escape through marshlands to waiting boats.

Today, these stories of bravery and compassion serve as a reminder of the importance of helping those in need. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity in times of crisis, a spirit that Gilleleje continues to celebrate.

As the town prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of these events, it also sends a message of solidarity to people fleeing conflict and seeks to inspire future generations to open their hearts and doors to those in search of safety and refuge.