How did the Jewish community in Sighet initially react to the threat from Germans?

The Jewish community in Sighet initially reacted to the threat from the Germans with disbelief and denial. This response stemmed from a sense of hope and the assumption that such extreme measures could not truly affect them. Despite warnings from various sources, including representatives from other countries and even some local Jewish leaders, many members of the community found it difficult to accept the gravity of the situation they were facing. They believed that their situation wouldn't worsen and that the rumors of deportations and atrocities were exaggerated or untrue.

This reluctance to confront the harsh reality is reflective of the broader psychological mechanisms that can occur in the face of impending danger, where individuals and communities might assure themselves that such events cannot happen to them. This denial ultimately contributed to their vulnerability, as it delayed crucial actions that could have been taken in response to the threat. The initial lack of decisiveness and preparedness among the Jewish population highlighted a tragic underestimation of the peril they were in, illustrating the dangerous effects of disbelief in the face of escalating threats.