How a Norwegian pastor helped Jews pray in secret during the Holocaust

In the harrowing landscape of Nazi-occupied Norway, where the Jewish community faced devastating losses, the story of Pastor Einar Anker Nielsen emerges as a beacon of courage and interfaith solidarity. Norway's small Jewish population, numbering around 1,100 at the time, suffered immensely, with approximately 770 murdered, primarily at Auschwitz. This destruction was facilitated by the collaborationist government led by Vidkun Quisling, a dark chapter in Norwegian history.

Amidst this pervasive threat, Pastor Nielsen, a Methodist minister in Trondheim, provided a sanctuary for his Jewish friends. Following the Nazi confiscation and desecration of the city's synagogue – turning it into stables and damaging its sacred artifacts – Jews were forbidden from gathering for religious ceremonies. It was then that Nielsen, a longtime friend of Rabbi Abraham Israel Jacobson, opened the doors of his own church.

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And I will be to them a small sanctuary.

Nielsen allowed the city's Jews to use a small, hidden space within the Methodist church for clandestine prayer services. This act of profound bravery occurred under the constant threat of the Gestapo, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to humanitarian principles and religious freedom. It stands as a testament to the fact that even in the darkest of times, individuals can make a significant difference.

While Norway saw a high rate of destruction for its Jewish population compared to other Western European countries, it also witnessed a notable rescue rate, with about 1,000 Jews escaping to Sweden. Sixty-eight Norwegians were recognized by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations. Pastor Nielsen's story is a powerful addition to this narrative of resistance, highlighting the critical role played by ordinary citizens in sheltering and protecting those targeted by the Nazi regime.

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Under the occupation, and with Gestapo soldiers threateningly present in the streets, Nielsen allowed the city’s Jews to use a small hidden space in the church.