Oskar Schindler

Businessman, industrialist

Born: April 28, 1908 in Zwittau, Austria-Hungary (now Svitavy, Czech Republic)

Died: October 9, 1974 in Hildesheim, West Germany

Nationality: German

Oskar Schindler is widely regarded as an extraordinary individual who demonstrated immense courage, compassion, and heroism in the face of one of the greatest human tragedies of the 20th century. Born in Zwittau, Austria-Hungary in 1908, Schindler went on to become a successful businessman and industrialist, primarily in the field of enamelware manufacturing.

During World War II, Schindler used his influence and resources to save the lives of more than 1,000 Jewish workers employed in his factories in Nazi-occupied Poland. Despite the immense risks and dangers involved, Schindler provided his workers with food, shelter, and protection, even at the cost of his own wealth and safety.

Schindler's efforts to protect his Jewish workers from the horrors of the Holocaust came at a time when most other Germans and Europeans were turning a blind eye to the genocide that was taking place. He risked his life and livelihood to smuggle his workers out of the concentration camps and to provide them with false identification papers, which enabled them to escape to safety.

Schindler's extraordinary actions during the Holocaust were recognized and honored by numerous Jewish organizations, governments, and institutions. He was awarded the title "Righteous Among the Nations" by the Israeli government, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a non-Jew who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

Schindler's story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, including Steven Spielberg's critically acclaimed movie "Schindler's List." His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to stand up against oppression, persecution, and discrimination, and to fight for justice and human rights for all. In recognition of his extraordinary humanitarianism, Oskar Schindler will forever be remembered as one of the most exceptional figures in modern history.

Oskar Schindler for Children

Oskar Schindler was a man who lived a long time ago, during a big war called World War II. He was a businessman who made things out of metal and sold them to people.

During the war, a very bad leader named Hitler took control of Germany and started to hurt and kill a lot of people, especially Jewish people. Oskar Schindler saw how the Jewish people were being treated badly and he wanted to help them.

He used his factories to give jobs to Jewish people, which kept them safe from being taken away to bad places. He also gave them food and helped them escape from the bad people who wanted to hurt them.

Oskar Schindler was very brave because he risked his own life to help the Jewish people. He saved more than a thousand of them from being hurt or killed during the war. People think he was an extraordinary person because he did something good and kind when many others were doing bad things.

Some Oskar Schindler Quotes Explained

"Whoever saves one life saves the world entire."

This quote reflects Schindler's belief that even saving one life can make a significant impact on the world. By saving the lives of over 1,000 Jewish workers during the Holocaust, Schindler was able to make a meaningful contribution towards combating the atrocities of the Nazi regime. This quote also emphasizes the importance of valuing each individual life and the responsibility that comes with the power to make a difference.

"I knew the people who worked for me. When you know people, you have to behave towards them like human beings."

Schindler believed in treating all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity, with dignity and respect. He saw his Jewish workers not as mere employees, but as fellow human beings who deserved kindness and compassion. This quote highlights the importance of empathy and recognizing the humanity in others.

"The persecution of Jews in occupied Poland meant that we could see horror emerging gradually in many ways. In one way, we lived through a time that will never be forgotten by anyone who was alive then. We know about it too much already. These experiences are not for sale."

This quote reflects Schindler's belief that the horrors of the Holocaust should never be forgotten or trivialized. He recognized that the events he witnessed during the war were too profound and impactful to be commodified or used for personal gain. This quote emphasizes the importance of remembering history and honoring the memory of those who suffered during the Holocaust.

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