Irena Sendler, Polish nurse and humanitarian, Righteous Gentile (d. 2008)

Irena Sendler: The Angel of the Warsaw Ghetto

Irena Stanisława Sendler (née Krzyżanowska), known affectionately in Poland as Irena Sendlerowa and using the nom de guerre Jolanta, was born on 15 February 1910 and passed away on 12 May 2008. She was an extraordinary Polish humanitarian, social worker, and nurse whose unparalleled courage shone brightly during World War II. Operating within the perilous environment of German-occupied Warsaw, Sendler served as a vital figure in the Polish Underground Resistance, risking her life daily to combat the atrocities of the Holocaust.

The Crucial Role in Żegota: A Beacon of Hope

From October 1943, Irena Sendler assumed leadership of the children's section of Żegota, the Polish Council to Aid Jews (Rada Pomocy Żydom in Polish). Żegota was a unique and remarkable organization; it stands as the only state-sponsored organization in German-occupied Europe established specifically to rescue Jews from extermination. This council, founded by the Polish Government-in-Exile, provided a coordinated effort to offer assistance, shelter, and false documents to Jews facing certain death, and Sendler's role within it was absolutely pivotal, focusing entirely on the most vulnerable victims – children.

Pre-War Activism and Wartime Undercover Operations

Sendler's commitment to social justice predated the war. In the 1930s, she was actively involved in social work as an activist connected to the Free Polish University. From 1935 until October 1943, her professional life was dedicated to the Department of Social Welfare and Public Health of the City of Warsaw. This official position proved to be an invaluable cover for her clandestine wartime activities. Leveraging her network of colleagues and volunteers from the department, many of whom were women, Sendler spearheaded conspiratorial efforts, primarily focused on the rescue of Jewish individuals.

Daring Rescues from the Warsaw Ghetto

The core of Irena Sendler's heroic endeavors involved the systematic smuggling of Jewish children out of the horrific conditions of the Warsaw Ghetto. Working alongside dozens of dedicated individuals, Sendler devised ingenious methods to save these innocent lives. Children were smuggled out through various means: hidden in ambulances, coffins, toolboxes, sacks, or even through the city's sewage systems. Once outside the ghetto, these traumatized children were provided with meticulously crafted false identity documents, often bearing Christian names, to conceal their Jewish origins. They were then placed in the care of brave Polish families, orphanages, and other care facilities, including numerous Catholic nun convents, which opened their doors despite the immense danger. It is estimated that Irena Sendler and her network courageously saved over 2,500 Jewish children from the Holocaust, a monumental achievement that stands as one of the largest rescue operations of its kind.

Arrest by the Gestapo and Miraculous Escape

The treacherous nature of her work meant that Irena Sendler was constantly under threat. In October 1943, her involvement in the Polish Underground Resistance and Jewish rescue efforts became known to the German occupiers, leading to her arrest by the Gestapo – the brutal secret police of Nazi Germany. During her interrogation, Sendler endured torture and imprisonment but displayed unwavering fortitude, refusing to divulge any information about her network, her work, or, most critically, the whereabouts of the rescued Jewish children. Before her arrest, she had managed to hide the invaluable list of the names and new locations of these children in glass jars, which were then buried under an apple tree in a neighbor's garden. This act of foresight prevented the Gestapo from uncovering and endangering the children. Sendler was subsequently sentenced to death, but through the determined efforts of Żegota, who bribed German officials, she narrowly escaped execution on the very day it was scheduled, her disappearance from prison being made to look like a successful escape.

Post-War Recognition and Enduring Legacy

Following the war, in communist Poland, Irena Sendler continued her social activism and pursued a career in government. However, due to political sensitivities regarding Polish-Jewish relations under the communist regime, her heroic wartime actions were not widely publicized or celebrated in Poland until much later. Her profound contributions did not go unnoticed internationally, however. In 1965, the State of Israel recognized her extraordinary bravery by honouring her as Righteous Among the Nations – a title bestowed upon non-Jewish individuals who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from extermination. This prestigious recognition underscores the ultimate sacrifice and moral courage exhibited by individuals like Sendler. Among the numerous accolades she received, the Gold Cross of Merit was granted to her in 1946 for her work in saving Jews, and, late in her life, she was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland's highest and most distinguished honour, celebrating her unparalleled wartime humanitarian efforts and an enduring legacy as a true hero.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irena Sendler

How many children did Irena Sendler save during the Holocaust?

Irena Sendler, along with her network of volunteers, is credited with saving over 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.

What was Żegota and what was Irena Sendler's role in it?

Żegota, the Polish Council to Aid Jews, was the only state-sponsored organization in German-occupied Europe specifically established to rescue Jews. Irena Sendler became the head of its children's section in October 1943, orchestrating the rescue and placement of Jewish children.

What methods did Sendler use to smuggle children out of the Warsaw Ghetto?

Sendler's network employed various ingenious and risky methods, including hiding children in ambulances, coffins, toolboxes, sacks, and utilizing the city's sewage systems to move them out of the ghetto. Once out, they were provided with false identities and shelter.

What happened when the Gestapo arrested Irena Sendler?

Upon her arrest in October 1943, Irena Sendler endured torture but bravely refused to reveal any information about her rescue operations or the children she had saved. She had previously hidden crucial lists of the children's names and new locations in glass jars, ensuring their safety. She was sentenced to death but was miraculously rescued by Żegota, who bribed German officials to facilitate her escape.

What is the significance of "Righteous Among the Nations" recognition?

"Righteous Among the Nations" is an honor awarded by the State of Israel to non-Jewish individuals who, at personal risk and without expectation of reward, saved Jews from extermination during the Holocaust. It acknowledges their moral courage and selflessness.