Josef Schleich

Who was Josef Schleich?

Josef Schleich was an Austrian citizen. During the time of National Socialism he helped many Jews as a smuggler to cross the border to Yugoslavia.

He was born in Graz, Styria.

Schleich was a poultry farm owner. Until the "Anschluss" in 1938 when Austria was incorporated into Greater Germany by Nazi Germany Schleich increased his income by smuggling flints and saccharin to Yugoslavia.

After the "Anschluss" Schleich started to expand his business. As Jews were no longer welcome by other countries, Schleich started to teach farming. After the end of this education a certificate helped Jews to emigrate. Because too many certificates were issued Schleich lost his credit and customers.

Schleich did not give up and changed his business one more time - he became a smuggler. With his help many Jews were able to cross the border and save their lives. For the transport to Yugoslavia he pretended to be a travel guide. His business flourished and he earned some extra money because he charged 670 German Reichsmark per person. Before the start of the Balkans campaign his activity was tolerated by the Nazi authorities. On 12 March 1941 Schleich and his colleagues were arrested and his business was destroyed.