Holocaust Rescuers
When confronted with the idea of a rescuer, most memories drift back to childhood superheroes like superman saving the damsel in distress, but rarely are thoughts given to ordinary people risking their lives, to provide even the smallest comfort to those in need, during the Holocaust. However, when actually faced with the notion of risking ones life to save that of a stranger, most shudder away in fear; but not that of a rescuer. These selfless individuals were far and few between in the times preceding and throughout the horrific acts of the Holocaust. In Nazi occupied countries, those who are considered rescuers represented a minority of less than one-half of one-percent of the population (Oliner). The rescuer is an individual who undertakes a mission to save those who are suffering, unfortunate, and deprived of basic human rights. Altruism, in its grandest form, is a word that very clearly represents the level of caring and compassionate nature of the rescuer. Without any expectation of external reward this minority represented an altruistic act of the highest level- facing the threat of death to themselves and their entire family.
Yad Vashem began an organization to honor those one-half of one-percent, translating to 23,226 individuals (Yad Vashem), on behalf of the State of Isreal and the Jewish people. Vashem recognizes non-Jewish rescuers and awards those meeting his strict criteria with the title of “Righteous Among the Nations.” If a person nominated had active involvement in saving one or more Jews from death or deportation to a death camp, risked his or her life, liberty, or position, his or her initial motivation was without personal gain, and if there is testimony of those whom were helped they qualify for this title of “Righteous Among the Nations (Yad Vashem).”
Rescuers are in a group of their own and it comes as no surprise that most share overlapping characteristics to explain such selfless behavior. Nehama Tec and Pearl Oliner have both have
Yad Vashem began an organization to honor those one-half of one-percent, translating to 23,226 individuals (Yad Vashem), on behalf of the State of Isreal and the Jewish people. Vashem recognizes non-Jewish rescuers and awards those meeting his strict criteria with the title of “Righteous Among the Nations.” If a person nominated had active involvement in saving one or more Jews from death or deportation to a death camp, risked his or her life, liberty, or position, his or her initial motivation was without personal gain, and if there is testimony of those whom were helped they qualify for this title of “Righteous Among the Nations (Yad Vashem).”
Rescuers are in a group of their own and it comes as no surprise that most share overlapping characteristics to explain such selfless behavior. Nehama Tec and Pearl Oliner have both have
Bibliography: • Baird, Marie L.. On the Side of the Angels: Ethics and Post-Holocaust Spirituality (Studies in Spirituality). Leuven: David Brown, 2002. Print. • Baum, Steven K. • "Irena Sendler." The Holocaust, Crimes, Heroes and Villains. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2010. . • "Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project." Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2010. • "Malka Drucker: Holocaust RESCUERS." Malka Drucker: Author, Rabbi • Oliner, Pearl M.. Saving the Forsaken: Religious Culture and the Rescue of Jews in Nazi Europe. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2005. Print. • Oliner, Samuel P. • "Zofia Baniecka, Poland." Fundación Internacional Raoul Wallenberg. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2010. . • "frontline: shtetl: Biographies | PBS." PBS. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2010.