The persecution of the Jews in the town and country of Brunswick began in March 1933 and was operated with fanatical hardness by Prime Minister Dietrich Klagges and State Police Chief Friedrich Jeckeln. The consequence was the early liquidation of Jewish businesses and the constant pressure to emigrate. Around 60% of the Brunswick Jews emigrated until 1940.
The persecution of the Jews reached a new level after the outbreak of the Second World War. The aim was the total extermination of the Jews. All Jews had to wear a yellow star visible on the clothing since 1 September 1941. All Jewish homes also had to be indicated with a "Star of David" since March 1942. The Jewish population of Brunswick was dramatically reduced from formerly about 1150 people in 1933 to approximately 250 in 1938. The decreased number was a result of deprivation of rights, persecution and expulsion. 196 Brunswick Jews were deported to ghettos, labour and concentration camps and were murdered. It is assumed that the actual number of victims is much higher. Many Brunswick Jews who could not leave or escape from old age or financial reasons chose suicide just before the deportation took place.