Rescue in Denmark

Harold Flender

Aug 2019 · Plunkett Lake Press

About this ebook

“German troops entered [Denmark, a] country of four and a half million persons on April 9, 1940, and three years passed before the purge against Danish Jews was begun. On the night of October 1, 1943, the Nazi boot kicked open doors in rooms largely empty. Only a fraction of the Danish Jews — 472 — were caught and sent to Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (where 53 of them died). The remaining 7,500 escaped — thanks to one German and several thousands of their countrymen. How? That was the question that puzzled the American journalist and television-writer, Harold Flender... He returned to Denmark for intensive research among rescuers and rescued and in archives. This book is the result... Flender brings out the risks and agonies, the drama and the heroism, in straight, professional reporting... [a] well-done work.” — Poul Lassen, The New York Times

“One of the most exciting books about the frustration of the Nazis that has come out in a long time... a fabulous story.” — Wilmington News

“A marvelous story...” — Chicago Tribune

“As thrilling as it is uplifting.” — The Christian Science Monitor

“Heartwarming story told in thrilling detail... should he read by everyone...” —Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Inspiring and little-known story...” — Columbus Dispatch

“Remarkable account of human courage and decency.” — The Denver Post

“Powerful, heart-warming... one of the best and most starring stories out of the Nazi terror...” — Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

“A graphic story of one of history’s greatest rescues.” — Hartford Times

“Suspenseful... lifts the spirit... a rewarding book.” — Honolulu Star Bulletin & Advertiser

“Simple, dramatic and moving... One of the most exciting and heartening [stories] to come out of the war.” — The London Observer

“Impossible to stop reading... Everybody should read it.” — The London Spectator

“An inspiring story of courage and good will...” — Library Journal

“Remarkable... Effectively and comprehensively told...” — Los Angeles Times

“A book that exceeds in fascination, as well as strangeness and truth, any current work of fiction.” — National Jewish Post & Opinion

“Is stranger than fiction.” — Norfolk Virginian Pilot

“Definitely should be read...” — Philadelphia Bulletin

“Very moving and exciting...” — Publishers’ Weekly

“Dramatic... well written account...” — Roanoke Times

“Exciting and well documented...” — Sacramento Bee

“Moving... true story of adventure and devotion...” — St. Petersburg Times

“Easy to read and as exciting as any work of fiction...” — Yorkshire Evening Press (UK)

About the author

Harold Flender (1924-1975) was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He earned a B.A. from City College of the City University of New York and a Master’s Degree from Columbia University. His early writing success came as a comedy writer, often collaborating with Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Woody Allen for sketch comedy shows including Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows and The Jackie Gleason Show. Subsequently he turned to writing for more serious television and film subjects. His televised An Act of Faith, an initial account of Denmark’s heroic act of saving 8,000 Jews from the Nazis, received the Christopher Award. His dramatization of John Brown’s Body won the B’nai B’rith Human Rights Award. Flender won the Best Articles and Short Stories Award for Cuba Libre. Other honors include a National Council of Churches of Christ citation, an Anti-Defamation League grant, a Writers’ Guild Award and a Fulbright scholarship.

In addition to television scripts and documentaries, Flender wrote many educational and industrial films. He taught film writing at Columbia University, New York University, School of Visual Arts, The New School and was a guest lecturer at Centre d'Etudes de Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française, University of Dakar and Syracuse University. He was a member of P.E.N. and the Writers Guild East. In addition toRescue in Denmark, Flender wrote two non-fiction books, We Were Hooked and The Kids Who Went to Israel. His works of fiction include To Be, Basso and his first published novel, Paris Blues, which was made into a major film. He was a contributor to Intellectual Digest, Saturday Review, Nation, New Leader, L’Express, Variety, Boy’s Life and other periodicals.