Oskar Schindler: The True Story of Humanity and Courage That Changed History

Amid the cruelties of Nazi Germany during World War II, Oskar Schindler was an extraordinary personality who spread the light of humanity. Starting as an ordinary businessman obsessed with money and luxury, his life transformed into that of a savior who rescued thousands of Jews, making it one of the most inspiring chapters in history.

Who Was Oskar Schindler?

Born on April 28, 1908, in what is now the Czech Republic, Schindler joined the Nazi Party in 1939 driven by the pursuit of financial gains and a luxurious lifestyle. When World War II broke out and Germany occupied Poland, he migrated to the city of Kraków, Poland, seeking further business opportunities. Read more about World War II history and historical political shifts.

The Factory and the Turning Point in Perspective

In Kraków, with the support of the German military, Schindler took over a cookware factory (Emalia). Initially, his goal was to make maximum profit at a minimal cost. To achieve this, he employed Jews from Nazi concentration camps as laborers at meager wages.

However, Schindler witnessed firsthand the atrocities and massacres committed by the Nazi army against the Jews. These sights completely altered his perspective. Shifting away from the goal of earning money, he made it his life's mission to save the lives of those helpless people.

Schindler's Jews: The Courageous Fight to Save Lives

To provide protection to the Jews working in his factory, Schindler adopted highly adventurous methods:

• He influenced Nazi officials and officers by giving them expensive liquor and huge bribes.
• He convinced higher authorities that the products manufactured in his factory were essential for the German military during the war, and therefore the workers there were vital to the nation.
• When the Nazis began mass deportations of Jews to death camps like Auschwitz, he manipulated official records to retain the names of his workers.

Thus, he successfully held back approximately 1,200 Jews (a group comprising men, women, and children) from the jaws of death. In history, they became known as 'Schindler's Jews' (Schindlerjuden). According to Yad Vashem official records, these facts have been verified.

Post-War Life and Media History (With Acknowledgments)

By the end of World War II, Schindler had spent all his possessions to save the lives of the Jews. Having faced severe financial hardships after the war, he passed away on October 9, 1974. His remains were buried with honors at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem, with the title "Righteous Among the Nations."

• Literary Acknowledgment: Schindler's Ark (1982), a Booker Prize-winning novel written by Australian author Thomas Keneally, first brought this history to global attention.
• Cinematic Acknowledgment: Based on this novel, the renowned Hollywood director Steven Spielberg directed the famous 1993 film Schindler's List, which won 7 Academy Awards (Oscars). The visual adaptation of this movie brought Schindler's story to millions of people worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Oskar Schindler?

Oskar Schindler was a German businessman who saved the lives of over 1,200 Jews from Nazi camps during World War II.

2. What is 'Schindler's List'?

'Schindler's List' is the official list of names of Jews whom Oskar Schindler saved from Nazi persecution by providing them employment in his factory. Steven Spielberg also directed a movie based on this.

3. How was Schindler honored after his death?

He was honored at the 'Yad Vashem' memorial in Jerusalem with the title "Righteous Among the Nations."