Natalio Berman and jewish immigration to Chile during the Second World War

Abstract

During the Second World War and throughout the years prior to it, the immigration policies in Chile were very restrictive. An exception was the first part of the government of President Aguirre Cerda, who opened the country’s doors to the oppressed and persecuted. Soon thereafter, yielding to pressure from the press and opposition groups, he also restricted immigration. Together with Aguirre Cerda, 3 Jewish deputies came into office. One of them, Dr. Natalio Berman took an active role in the immigration policies and in the authorization of ships with Jewish refugees allowed to enter the country even after the immigration restrictions took place and after the closing of the border. This article presents a review of the historic and political context that existed in Chile during the Second World War and the role played by Dr. Natalio Berman, renowned physician, writer, community and political leader.