Born: February 15, 1910 (Warsaw, Poland)
Biography:
Irena Stanisława Sendler (née Krzyżanowska), also known as Irena Sendlerowa in Poland, was a remarkable Polish humanitarian, social worker, and nurse who played a vital role in rescuing Jewish children during the Holocaust. Born on February 15, 1910, in Warsaw, Irena grew up to become a beacon of hope and a symbol of bravery in a time of unspeakable darkness.
Before World War II, Irena was involved in social work as an activist connected to the Free Polish University. From 1935 to October 1943, she dedicated her efforts to the Department of Social Welfare and Public Health of the City of Warsaw. Little did she know that her work would soon take on a clandestine and dangerous nature.
When Germany occupied Warsaw during World War II, Irena joined the Polish Underground Resistance. In October 1943, she became the head of the children’s section of Żegota, the Polish Council to Aid Jews. Despite the imminent danger, Irena fearlessly carried out her mission of rescuing Jewish children from the clutches of the Holocaust.
Alongside a network of dedicated individuals, many of whom were women, Irena smuggled Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto. To protect their lives, she provided them with false identity documents and found shelter in the homes of willing Polish families, orphanages, and even Catholic nun convents. Through these daring acts of defiance, Irena managed to save countless children from the horrors of the Holocaust.
The Gestapo soon became suspicious of Irena’s involvement in the Polish Underground. In October 1943, she was captured and arrested. Despite enduring torture and imprisonment, Irena’s tremendous courage never wavered. She managed to keep the list of the rescued children’s names and locations hidden, effectively preventing the Gestapo from discovering their whereabouts.
Facing a death sentence, Irena’s life hung by a thread. However, with the help of Żegota, the organization bribed German officials and secured her release on the very day of her scheduled execution. This incredible stroke of luck allowed Irena to continue her work, saving lives and spreading hope even amidst the horrors of war.
After the war, Irena remained dedicated to her social activism, continuing to serve as a beacon of light in post-war communist Poland. She also pursued a career within the government, furthering her impact on society.
In recognition of her extraordinary bravery, in 1965, the State of Israel honored Irena Sendler with the title of Righteous Among the Nations. Her heroic efforts did not go unnoticed in her native Poland either. Irena received numerous awards and decorations, including the Gold Cross of Merit in 1946 for her invaluable contributions to saving Jewish lives during the war. Late in her life, she was bestowed with Poland’s highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle, for her selfless humanitarian efforts during the Holocaust.
Irena Sendler’s unwavering bravery and boundless compassion have left an indelible mark on history. Her story serves as a reminder of the extraordinary power of a single individual to make a profound difference in the lives of others, even in the most harrowing circumstances. She will forever be remembered as a true hero and an inspiration to generations to come.
Awards:
– Righteous Among the Nations (State of Israel, 1965)
– Gold Cross of Merit (1946)
– Order of the White Eagle