When the Nazis came into power in 1933, they immediately began passing laws and legislation that discriminated against Germany’s Jewish population. Jews were removed from government jobs, and laws were passed preventing them from engaging in social activities. Jewish businesses were boycotted, and members of the professions, such as doctors and lawyers, were prohibited from practicing.

In 1935, the Nuremberg Laws were passed. The first of these laws systematically detailed whether a person was a Jew based on their lineage, and revoked the citizenship of the Jewish population of Germany. The second barred Jews and non-Jews from marrying.

Anti-Jewish legislation continued in the following years. Jews were not allowed to work, and restrictions were placed on the time of day they could use public shops. A curfew was enforced. In 1938, all Jewish men were required to add the name Israel to their passports; Jewish women had to add the name Sarah. Jewish property was confiscated, and rations were reduced.