Spain and Jewish refugees during World War II: a difficult balance: free entrance, expulsions and detentions

Spain became a shelter for thousands of Jews fleeing Nazi persecution during World War II. Despite this position, the Spanish government was conditioned by elements linked to its close relationship with Nazi Germany. Most Francoist leaders were antisemitic. They were in favour of collaborating with Germany and even tried to justify persecution of Jews. Spain allowed Jews who had crossed the Pyrenees to enter the country, although Nazi pressure caused the expulsion of hundreds of refugees, or their confinement in concentration camps