Legacy Matters
Photo: Reuters/Katerina Stoltz
Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic, saved some 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto before she was captured by the Gestapo and tortured. Her legs and feet were broken, but she refused to identify the children or the people who helped her. A guard was bribed, she escaped and returned to work using a different identity.
From the Telegraph obituary
She immediately returned to her work using a new identity. Having retrieved her list of names, she buried it in a jar beneath an apple tree in a friend's garden.
In the end it provided a record of some 2,500 names, and after the war she attempted to keep her promise to reunite the children with their families. Most of the parents, however, had been gassed at Treblinka.
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In later life Irena Sendler recalled the heartbreak of Jewish mothers having to part from their children: "We witnessed terrible scenes. Father agreed, but mother didn't. We sometimes had to leave those unfortunate families without taking their children from them. I'd go back there the next day and often found that everyone had been taken to the Umschlagsplatz railway siding for transport to the death camps."
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Her father was a physician who ran a hospital at the suburb of Otwock, and a number of his patients were impoverished Jews.
Although he died of typhus in 1917, his example was of profound importance to Irena, who later said: "I was taught that if you see a person drowning, you must jump into the water to save them, whether you can swim or not."
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In 1965 she became one of the first Righteous Gentiles to be honoured by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority in Jerusalem. At that time Poland's Communist leaders would not allow her to travel to Israel, and she was unable to collect the award until 1983.
In 2003 she was awarded Poland's highest honour, the Order of the White Eagle; and last year she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, eventually won by Al Gore.
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In 2005 Irena Sendler reflected: "We who were rescuing children are not some kind of heroes. That term irritates me greatly. The opposite is true – I continue to have qualms of conscience that I did so little. I could have done more. This regret will follow me to my death."
A great legacy indeed.
I can't believe they passed this extraordinary woman over for a flash-in-the pan headline grabbing opportunist/fraud like Al Gore. Nonetheless, this superficial recognition would have been of little consolation for the guilt she must have felt for "not doing enough." At least she doesn't have to be mentioned alongside would-have-been fellow recipient Yassir Arafat.
Posted by: Bob at May 19, 2008 1:49 AMI wouldn't call Al Gore a fraud but still, Al Gore didn't suffer torture to save 2,500 jews. I mean, saving one jew at that time was already pretty good but 2,500?
Posted by: Jack at August 13, 2008 10:08 AMI am offended that some tiny-minded folk choose to focus their comments on the work of Mr. Gore and debate the merits of his peace prize - this has NOTHING to do with the work of this great woman, who no doubt harbors no ill-will to Mr. Gore, or whoever else was nominated. I'm sure she did what she did because of the kindness in her heart.
A lesson for all!
Posted by: steve at August 13, 2008 12:19 PMIt sure does say something about the priorities of those who made the decision about who should win.
Posted by: Christina Martin at August 13, 2008 4:21 PMNo need to slight anyone for their good work because you think someone else may be more deserving of a prize. If it's about numbers, you may want to consider that Mr. Gores work could well lead to saving the lives of millions. I'm sure there are other deserving people that we've never heard of and were never even nominated.
Posted by: Kevin F Wilson at August 16, 2008 10:32 AMHere i Norway, home of the Nobel Peace Price, we concider the price of 2007 given to the work of fighting climate changes, and not to Mr. Gore himself i particular.
Mr. Arafat had back in the eighties, for decades committed terror in Israel, Lebanon and elsewhere, but made an offer to become more peaceful in PLO's negotiating with the israelis. He was awarded the price along with then israeli primeminister Yitzhak Rabin and foreign minister Shimon Peres for thei attempt to come to the negotiation table.
That award played a major part in the processes that lead to the Oslo agreement a few years later.
So, let's honour a true polish heroine who saved a lot of lives, in stead of growling over one of the front figures in the fight for a better climate.
The Peace Prize is political BS, nothing more. It's one of the most narcissistic organizations on the planet, and of no use. I doubt there is a single person on the committee that chose the winner who is worthy to stand in the shadow of this woman.
I would say, perhaps, that bestowing such a dubious honor on here would have been more an insult to her memory than anything else.
Posted by: Conn at August 19, 2008 2:45 AMIt is wasted motion about how the selection process by-passed Irena, to petition for a wider recognition of her example of a life lived honorably and displaying true courage is more appropriate. Her empathy and dedication to saving others is worthy of an INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY recognizing this type of behavior, because her values are worth of celebration and promotion.
I suggest her birthday be chosen, it connects the honor to her honorable life and could be a way to have every culture to promote a respect for all life.
Irena Sandler should have been honored by the whole world years ago. What a great idea to have her birthday a holiday!
Posted by: Judy Booms at September 5, 2008 9:42 PMMy wife is getting fired from her work, we have a morgage to pay...we have two kids to look after...
Still....
I am an artist that will make sure her name will be heard to all..:)..soon...
People like her are a blessing to the human race...after all we are all human..regardless or color or religions..one people ...one nation...one love...
GOD BLESS IRENA SANDLER!!
I honor her.
Raz Rubinny.
Posted by: Raz Rubinny at December 3, 2008 5:45 PMIrena Sandler was an unbelieveable hero of monumental proportions. At great risk to herself she unselfishly gave up any thoughts of her own safety to save 2,500 Jewish children. May the Lord have mercy on her and reward her soul greatly in the eternal Kingdom in Heaven. May Irena be a role model for others in the continuing fight against man's inhumanity to man. Hopefully the Catholic Church will recognize her heroic deeds and start the process of making her a Saint.
Posted by: Joe Altschuler at December 28, 2008 10:51 AMShe will get her reward.
Posted by: l hugo at February 18, 2009 3:49 AMIrene is sitting at the right hand of God. Bless her memory.
Posted by: barbara gromb at April 18, 2009 1:56 AMI never cease to be amazed at the stories of heros and heroines that surface in the media. Whatever the value placed on the Nobel Peace prize, I know that there are many souls like Irena Sandler that are "solid gold" and that I will never know just how valuable they were. I am grateful to be made aware of Ms Sandler, she was a priceless inspiration and is owed so much.
Posted by: Nigel Greaves at April 19, 2009 5:28 AMIrena Sandler lived her life doing something that she believed in, and she suffered willingly for it. Al Gore made lots of money doing something that he professed he believed in..but didn't and still doesn't live his life that way. After the public found out about his excessive energy use he had his house made more "green", and his energy use went UP another 10%. If you want to read about it, here's the site: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2008/06/17/gore-ging-energy-1-year-later-gores-home-energy-use-climbs-10.
Irena Sandler was tortured and beaten for her beliefs....Al Gore got at least $100 million & the nobel peace prize for what he claimed he believed in. Doesn't really seem fair now does it?
Posted by: Sheila at April 19, 2009 10:25 PMI had not heard of this woman until today. Her bravery of saving over 2500 Jewish children at the risk of peril to herself is an example to all of being a Christian.
Posted by: Angela Buono at April 19, 2009 10:38 PMThis woman is truly a Saint above all Saints and will surly have a special place in heaven!! I Praise you for all you did.
Posted by: jerry smith at April 19, 2009 11:05 PMI have just seen the most moving movie in my life called "The Courageous Heart of Irena Sandler". Irena Sandler is my hero, and should be to all. I would enjoy it if someone could tell/send me a complete written/typed biography of her life.
Posted by: Danyel Moore at April 19, 2009 11:08 PMHow wonderful that this exceptional heroine's name is now being honored and recognized. In a world that had gone mad these sparks of humanity shine through the darkness.
Posted by: Lisa Bergman at April 19, 2009 11:15 PMWhat a moving story! I cannot begin to imagine the courage she had and the horror of the inhumanity she witnessed.
God bless her soul. May she always be remembered.
It so inspiring that people around the world finally after over 50 years can get to know Mrs. Irena Sendler, one of many unknown heroes of my Nation. It is shameful that this courageous and extraordinary woman was not recognized for her “work”. However I hope that one day her story and story of many other, who out of love risked their life to save others. Perhaps we all can learn from Mrs. Sendler, that life should be protected in all its stages. And I hope that her example will teach all of us haw to be more human.
May she teach all of us haw to love…
haw to forgive…
and haw to live…
May she rest in peace!
When I despair over hearing of the various evil things people do to each other I also find there are people like Irene who do so much good in spite of circumstances. She and people like her make me a believer again in the triumph of the spirit of mankind. May she sit at the right hand of God where she belongs.
Posted by: Mort Friedman at April 20, 2009 12:31 AMMany people don't believe in God,but when there are Angels like Irena Sendler, there is no dout
that there is a God......
Yes, she is setting with God and recieved her wigs.
It is a blessing to know that such people as Irena Sendler exist. It speaks to the humanity of our world, even in the most extreme situations. May these people and their act NEVER be forgotten.
Posted by: Al at April 20, 2009 12:49 AMIt is a blessing to know that such people as Irena Sendler exist. It speaks to the humanity of our world, even in the most extreme situations. May these people and their act NEVER be forgotten.
Posted by: Al at April 20, 2009 12:55 AMI am inspired. As a fellow social worker, I often think about how I could have done more for my clients, for those in despair, but for me, I have tools at my disposal to find solutions; for Irena, there were very few; so for Irena to have saved so many children with so little is nothing short of miraculous; not only did Irena save a generation of children, she preserved a legacy and for all that learn of her, she has given us a lesson we must never forget and must remember, for always! G-d bless Irena and those that helped her!!!
Posted by: Marla at April 20, 2009 2:12 AMI can't believe what this owrld is coming too? Al Gore over this amazing women.
Posted by: Marika at April 20, 2009 8:56 AMA fitting tribute to a remarkable lady. Why did it take so long for her bravery to be told? I also hope that the children who were placed in the Catholic homes of those courageous Polish families returned to their Judaism faith. Also, what happened to the boy who escaped from the train and the Rabbi's granddaughter? I am sure we would all want to hear the result of their survival. Al Gore v. Irena Sendler - no contest!
Posted by: Julie Booty at April 20, 2009 2:52 PMIm with out words on how some of us just dont understand what it means to be free.I realize know that it was people like this that had to suffer so that we can be free.does any body ever wonder what would of happened ifthere were not people like this incredible woman?
Posted by: clara grano at April 20, 2009 11:52 PMIrene was soo incredibly brave, absolutely amazing, may we all strive to live by her shining example.
Posted by: Tanya M. McDugald at April 21, 2009 5:23 AMFor Irena Sandler to be honored as a "Righteous Gentile" is a much higher honor than the Nobel prize. That designation is not given lightly or for any other reason than that it is true--righteousness is as high as we can get!
Posted by: Sandy at April 21, 2009 11:23 AMThis lady was a hero she helped many children leave the ghetto.People should remember as a preson who had a good heart and was always a kind hearted woman.Irena Sandler will always be remembered in the hearts of many peolpe and children escape horribe things. thnk you Irena Sandler for being a kind person with a corages heart
Posted by: Santanna at April 21, 2009 2:17 PMThis lady was a hero she helped many children leave the ghetto.People should remember as a preson who had a good heart and was always a kind hearted woman.Irena Sandler will always be remembered in the hearts of many peolpe and children escape horribe things. thnk you Irena Sandler for being a kind person with a corages heart
Posted by: Santanna at April 21, 2009 2:20 PMThey dont come any bigger than this great soul.....
Posted by: Pat at April 23, 2009 5:11 AMGod bless this woman. It is only because of people like her that humanity has been spared total destruction.
Posted by: Ira at April 28, 2009 11:58 PMim very moved bout what she did i didnt no bout til a few months ago when i was doing an reseahc on her!!!
Posted by: stephanie at May 5, 2009 12:03 PM