Chronology of World War II

Saturday, November 1st


Identification of Jews


Identification of Jews
The 'Police Order on the Identification of Jews' of 1 September 1941, required Jews in the German Reich and in the Reich Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia to wear a yellow star on their clothing. The order took effect on 19 September of that year. The Nazi leadership had considered these measures for years, but Hitler had hesitated to introduce the so-called Jewish star out of concern for international criticism. On the other hand, Polish Jews in German-occupied areas had already been forced to wear such identifying insignia since 1939. This photograph was taken in Munich 1 November 1941. (Photo by Heinrich Hoffmann)