Conclusion
"He was absolutely a heroic figure. Like any great figures, he certainly had his flaws, don’t get me wrong. But, having said that, when you risk your life to save over a thousand people time and again: that’s nothing but heroism." -David M. Crowe (Student Conducted Interview)
Oskar Schindler was not the typical hero. He was a Nazi, profiteer, womanizer, drinker, and gambler. Despite his imperfections, Schindler saved the lives of 1,200 Jewish men, women, and children when he encountered the evils of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis during the Holocaust. Schindler's primary intent for employing Jews in his factory was to amass as much wealth as possible. As the war progressed and the atrocities escalated to the systematic annihilation of the Jewish people, Schindler couldn't witness his Schindlerjuden be destroyed. His conscience left him with only one choice: he had to save them. He spared them by employing them at the safe haven that was his enamelware factory. As a wealthy Nazi himself, Schindler utilized his connections with various SS officers as an advantage to save his Schindlerjuden. He exchanged his wealth, and ultimately, his future for the lives of the Jews that he considered "his children". As a consequence, following the war, Schindler was left penniless and spent his final years forming several failed businesses. Schindler's uncompromising quest to salvage the lives of 1,200 Jews has been appreciated by many, especially his children, the Schindlerjuden.
"Whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world." -Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:9; Yerushalmi Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin 37a.
Sabrina Antonucci and Nikolas Antonucci
Senior Group Website Word Count (student composed): 1,192 Process Paper Word Count: 500 |
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