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Refugees in Yugoslavia: Tilla Durieux's Survival Story

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Between 1933 and 1941, many Germans fled to Yugoslavia to escape the Nazi regime, including actress Tilla Durieux and her husband Ludwig Katzenellenbogen who sought refuge in Zagreb.
Yugoslavia initially welcomed refugees, allowing work and visa extensions.
Katzenellenbogen was arrested in April 1941 and died in Germany.
Durieux survived with family support after the war and returned to Zagreb to contribute to the arts.

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Story summary

Between 1933 and 1941, many Germans fled to Yugoslavia to escape the Nazi regime, including actress Tilla Durieux and her husband Ludwig Katzenellenbogen who sought refuge in Zagreb.
Yugoslavia initially welcomed refugees, allowing work and visa extensions.
Katzenellenbogen was arrested in April 1941 and died in Germany.
Durieux survived with family support after the war and returned to Zagreb to contribute to the arts.