What was life like for Jews leading up to World War 2?

Answer 1

The Holocaust occurred during this period in history. German Jews led restrictive lives, where they had to wear a yellow star of David to identify themselves. In Germany and many other European countries, the Jews were taken to concentration camps and many died there.

Answer 2

In the years leading up to World War II, life for Jews throughout Europe was more tense and less comfortable than it had been for many decades prior, as anti-semitic fervor was increasingly being felt by non-Jews in many different countries. In Germany, in particular, anti-Jewish sentiment grew increasingly hostile and violent, with many Jews suffering so badly that they chose to emigrate to new homes elsewhere in Europe or even farther abroad.

Answer 3

Between 1933 and 1945, Jews around Europe suffered from increasing prejudice and oppression, including verbal abuse, physical abuse, physical dislocation, imprisonment, and even death on a genocidal scale. While anti-Semitism had long been a negative force in Europe, the special hatred of Jews felt and expressed by the Nazis elevated this prejudice into a fearsome and violent power during these twelve dark years.

Answer 4

In Germany they were subject to rapidly escalating persecution. (For details see the related questions).

Some other countries where antisemtism was stong - especially Poland, Hungary and Romania - imitated many of the German measures, especially from 1938 onwards.

Many of those Jews who could do so, left Germany (and the various countries annexed and occupied by Germany) but it was not easy, as other countries had restrictions on Immigration.