The forced expulsion of 18,000 Polish Jews from Germany in October 1937 occurred as part of the Nazi regime’s escalating anti-Semitic measures in the late 1930s. The events leading up to this were marked by the Nazis’ attempt to 'cleanse' the nation of Jews, whom they blamed for various social and economic problems. Tensions had escalated following a diplomatic row between Poland and Germany, which prompted the Nazis to implement expulsions targeting Polish Jews residing within German borders. The expulsion was characterized by a lack of preparation and disregard for the basic needs of those being expelled. Many of the deported had lived in Germany for years and had established their lives there, but the Nazis viewed them as a problem due to their Polish nationality.

The deportations were largely executed without sufficient planning, resulting in chaotic scenes at the borders where thousands were left stranded. The expelled individuals were often taken to the Polish border in deplorable conditions, facing violence and hostility from both the German authorities and locals in Poland. This event served as a precursor to the more systematic and horrific actions that the Nazis would later undertake during the Holocaust, where millions faced extermination. The action against Polish Jews was emblematic of the broader policies of racial purity and exclusion that marked the period leading up to World War II.

This disturbing episode underscored the Nazis' commitment to xenophobia and their vision of a racially homogenous society. It contributed to a sense of urgency within the Jewish community regarding the need to seek refuge elsewhere, while also highlighting the increasingly precarious position of Jews in Europe at the time. The aftermath of these deportations marked a significant deterioration in the conditions for Jews in both Germany and Poland, foreshadowing the more severe measures and atrocities that would follow in the coming years.