Rescue and Resistance

If saving lives is an unconditional human obligation, during World War II, what was the reaction when people saw their neighbors being rounded up by Nazis and shipped to undisclosed destinations?  Most stayed indifferent, likely out of fear for their own and their family’s well-being if they objected, aided or interfered.  But some righteous individuals, in actions from small to great, did not stand by when they saw gross injustices. 

These individuals demonstrated the ultimate in courage and humanitarianism. Some of these stories, like the actions of Oskar Schindler, have been immortalized by Hollywood (Schindler’s List), but most acts of such courage and humanitarianism are less known. From aiding individuals or families in hiding to acts of sabotage in attempts to thwart perpetrators, each and every act  of rescue and resistance was an act of courage and importance.  

These acts occurred despite rampant antisemitism and extensive collaboration with the Nazis. They were undertaken despite the practical hurdles to escape or hide and the threat of great risks, including the German use of violence and the dire consequences of getting caught for all individuals.

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