Oskar Schindler
Oskar Schindler’s actions to protect Jews during the Holocaust have earned him a special place among honored rescuers.Oskar Schindler was born on April 28, 1908 in Svitavy, Moravia. An ethnic German living in Moravia, Czechoslovakia, he joined the Nazi party in 1939. Oskar Schindler had many friends in the Nazi party, he owned a large business and really only ever cared about the money. In addition,since he was a part of the Nazi party he once noticed how poorly and cruelly the Jews were treated he decided to buy them from his friends in the camps. These Jews were called "Schindler Jews," they were his workers from his factory that were thrown into camps. Because he had so much power and money he kept them safe during the Holocaust and was later titled a hero and savior. Many of his Jews are alive today and he was one of the few people with power, and the only one who actually did anything. Overall, he saved thousands of Jews from death and gave up his money, power, and put his life in danger for them.
The persecution of Jews in the General Government in Polish territory gradually worsened in its cruelty. In 1939 and 1940 they were forced to wear the Star of David and were herded together and confined in ghettos. In 1941 and 1942 this unadulterated sadism was fully revealed. And then a thinking man, who had overcome his inner cowardice, simply had to help. There was no other choice.
—Oskar Schindler, 1964 interview.
—Oskar Schindler, 1964 interview.