Irene Gut Opdyke, Polish nurse and humanitarian (d. 2003)

Irene Gut Opdyke, born Irena Gut on May 5, 1922, in Kozienice, Poland, and passing away on May 17, 2003, in Fullerton, California, was a remarkable Polish nurse whose extraordinary courage during World War II earned her international recognition. Her unwavering commitment to humanity led her to risk everything to protect Polish Jews from the brutal persecution of Nazi Germany, a harrowing period in history known as the Holocaust. Her heroic actions, which exemplify profound moral fortitude, were officially acknowledged by Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, bestowing upon her the revered title of Righteous Among the Nations for saving twelve Jews from certain death.

The Unfolding of a Heroic Journey

Irene Gut Opdyke's story is one of incredible bravery amidst unimaginable terror. As a young woman during the Nazi occupation of Poland, she found herself thrust into a world where survival often meant compromise, but for Irene, it meant standing firm in the face of evil. Her initial training as a nurse provided her with a compassionate spirit, which would later fuel her clandestine efforts to save lives. After the German invasion, like many Poles, she was forced into labor, eventually working as a housekeeper for a high-ranking German Wehrmacht major, Eduard Schultze, in Tarnopol (then part of occupied Poland, now Ukraine). This seemingly ordinary position became the unlikely stage for her extraordinary acts of resistance.

Witnessing firsthand the horrific conditions and systematic extermination campaigns against Jewish people, Irene could not remain passive. She began by smuggling food and supplies into the Jewish ghetto and, with increasing audacity, used her privileged access to the major's villa to conceal a group of twelve Jewish individuals in his basement. These individuals, including men, women, and children, were living under constant threat of discovery and deportation to extermination camps. Opdyke meticulously managed their hiding, providing them with food, water, and vital information, all while maintaining a facade of normalcy in her duties for Major Schultze. The danger was immense; discovery would have meant instant execution for her and for those she sheltered. Her resourcefulness, quick thinking, and profound empathy were instrumental in sustaining these hidden lives throughout a period of intense peril.

Recognition and Legacy

After the war, Irene immigrated to the United States in the late 1940s, where she married William Opdyke and settled down, initially keeping her wartime experiences private. However, compelled by the rise of Holocaust denial and the importance of bearing witness, she began to share her incredible story. In 1982, her selfless actions received the highest honor from Yad Vashem, the Israeli institution dedicated to Holocaust remembrance: she was recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations. This title is bestowed upon non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. It is a testament to immense courage and moral integrity in the darkest of times, symbolizing hope and resistance against genocide. Irene Gut Opdyke's memoir, "In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer," further cemented her legacy, offering a poignant and powerful account of her experiences and inspiring countless others with her tale of human compassion and defiance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irene Gut Opdyke

Who was Irene Gut Opdyke?
Irene Gut Opdyke was a courageous Polish nurse born Irena Gut who, during World War II, risked her life to shelter and save twelve Jewish individuals from Nazi persecution in occupied Poland. She is celebrated as a humanitarian hero and a "Righteous Among the Nations."
What specific actions did she take to save Jews during the Holocaust?
Working as a housekeeper for a German major, Eduard Schultze, she secretly hid twelve Jewish people in the basement of his villa in Tarnopol. She provided them with food, supplies, and vital information, constantly risking her own life to ensure their survival while maintaining her dangerous deception.
What is the "Righteous Among the Nations" honor?
The "Righteous Among the Nations" is an official title awarded by Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, to non-Jews who, at great personal risk, saved Jews from extermination during the Holocaust. It is one of the highest honors for civilian courage and moral strength.
How many people did Irene Gut Opdyke save?
She is specifically recognized for saving twelve Jewish individuals who she hid in the German major's villa, ensuring their survival until the end of the occupation.
When was Irene Gut Opdyke recognized for her heroism?
Irene Gut Opdyke was officially recognized as a "Righteous Among the Nations" by Yad Vashem in 1982, decades after the end of World War II.
Did she ever share her story publicly?
Yes, after initially keeping her experiences private for many years, Irene Gut Opdyke eventually decided to share her story, feeling it was crucial to educate others about the Holocaust. She became a public speaker and authored a memoir titled "In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer."