Norway police apologize for Auschwitz deportation of Jews

GlobalPost

Police in Norway apologized for the first time Monday for their role in deporting Jews to Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

The announcement by national police commissioner Odd Reidar Humlegaard came 70 years after Norway sent its first group of Jews to Auschwitz, Reuters reported.

More from GlobalPost: Oldest Auschwitz survivor Antoni Dobrowolski dead at 108

"It is fitting that I express my regret for the role police played in the arrest and deportation of these completely innocent victims," he said.

About 300 Norwegian police officers handled the deportation of 772 Jews to Auschwitz.

More from GlobalPost: Auschwitz documents surface, then vanish

Only a handful survived, according to the Jewish Journal.

Norwegian prime minister Jens Stoltenberg made a separate formal apology earlier this year.

“I could say that it was about time” for the police to apologize," Auschwitz survivor Samuel Steinmann told the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen. “But it is good to hear.”

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 226 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!