Oskar Schindler

Oskar Schindler ( (Bettmann/CORBIS))

As people are beaten on the streets of Germany during the cruel World War 2, one shocking man shows a little heart and conducts a plan. No one could have ever predicted that such a gambling and drinking involved man, such as Oskar Schindler, could help so many people. Oskar Schindler was a German businessman who was born in Zwittau, Austria-Hungary Empire. He grew up to be close friends with the sons of a Rabbi, who lived next door. In the long run, the fact that Schindler became such good friends with a Jewish person, probably helped sculpt Schindler's personality and morals. Schindler began working as a spy for the Germans in the mid-1930's. And after getting caught and condemned to death by the Czechs, the Nazis saved his life and therefore he enrolled in the National Socialist party in 1939. But he soon found out that he was only a Nazi in uniform, not in heart. Schindler didn't let the peer pressure of the Germans sidetrack him on his way to heroism. By demonstrating courage, integrity and perseverance, Schindler showed he had what it took to be a hero. 

Oskar Schindler demonstrated courage throughout his life and rescue. Surprising everyone who knew him, Schindler risked his gamble and drinking filled life in order to save innocent people: "No one has been able to adequately explain why such a luxury-loving man risked his life so many times, and spent all of his fortune, in an effort that saved the lives of at least 1,100 Jewish people during World War 2 (1939-45)" (The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise). With no reason other than doing what he thought was right, Schindler saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish people and spent all his gambling fortune. He spent all his money buying extra food, medicine and clothes to make the Jews under his wing feel as comfortable as possible. Many people did not expect Schindler to do such a thing, but when they saw the results of his helpful actions, they were pleasantly surprised. It is amazing that a man so involved in himself and reckless activities was able to turn his life around in order to save thousands of people. By performing this rescue, Schindler was able to receive a very rare award: "In 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Council posthumously presented the Museum's Medal of Remembrance to Schindler. Rarely presented, this medal honors deserving recipients for extraordinary deeds during the Holocaust and in the cause of Remembrance" (U*X*L Biographies). The medal just begins to describe the gratitude of the Jewish lives saved during World War 2. Schindler showed various efforts of courage in order to receive this award; but he didn't do it for the glory, he did it because he knew what was right. The way Schindler drew his attention from his superficial life to the rescue of many desperate souls was very impressive. At the time of World War 2, the limiting laws scared people into thinking they could not help in the simplest way because of the strict policies, but Schindler showed courage by standing up to this fear. 

Schindler with a group of

Schindler needed integrity in order to save the thousands he did. Oskar Schindler demonstrated integrity by helping innocent people throughout the war: "The women and children were in terrible condition when they arrived and the Schindlers nursed them back to health. The couple lived in fear of what would happen if the Nazis found out that they were helping the Jews by giving them extra food and medicine" (Encyclopedia World Biography of. Vol. 18). These people were desperate and on the verge of dying. Anyone with a kind heart would surely help them, and that's what Schindler did. Schindler and his wife, Emilie Schindler, spent many hours tending to their Jews in need. They even started to develop friendly relationships with them and later began calling them Schindler's Jews. The Schindlers knew they were risking their lives and family by helping these poor people, but they did it anyways. Schindler showed  good morals by spending a fortune to help others; therefore, he received an award for his integrity: "In 1962, Yad Vashem awarded Schindler the title 'Righteous Among the Nations' in recognition of his efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust at great personal risk" (The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise).  This award doesn't just show the effects of Schindler's actions, but it shows what happens when one person puts in effort. People are more likely to join in helping once they see someone doing it already; it makes them feel more comfortable and supported rather than fearful. After the war, not many people knew of Schindler's efforts and successes, but he was right to get this award. Without integrity none of this would have happened. But because Oskar Schindler had great morals and was willing to risk his own life to save others', he demonstrates acting and thinking as a hero. 

Schindler at a party with Nazi officials (Historyplace.com))

Schindler acts as a hero by showing great qualities, such as perseverance. At the time of World War 2, Nazis scared people into thinking they could not help in the simplest ways, but Schindler showed courage by standing up to this fear: "Near the end of 1941, Schindler was arrested by the SS for dealing in black market goods. With the help of his high-ranking Nazi friends...he was quickly returned to work. On April 29, 1942, however, he was arrested again and jailed, this time for violating the Nazis; 'Race and Resettlement Act'. Once again, Schindler secured his release within a short time..." (U*X*L Biographies). Even after being arresting multiple times for rebelling and supporting the Jews instead of Germany, Oskar Schindler continues to help them. He even went as far as befriending other Nazi officials in order to gain their support, although they did not know what they were supporting. In other words, Schindler used them to gain power. And because Schindler was highly ranked in the National Socialist party, he knew what consequences would await him if he got caught, but he did it anyway. By withstanding circumstances like these, Schindler was most definitely a hero: "Everyone in his factory was fed, no-one was beaten, no-one was killed" (Encyclopaedia Judaica). While the rest of Germany was cruelly beating and killing off Jews, Schindler didn't give in to that. The peer pressure at this time was immense (a matter of life and death), but Schindler demonstrates his heroism by not caving in. Oskar Schindler had great perseverance if was able to overcome various obstacles along the road to complete heroism and success. 

Schindler's grave (The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise ())

Oskar Schindler was a true hero by demonstrating courage, integrity and perseverance. Schindler realized he would have to risk his and his family's lives in order to help these Jews, but he did it anyway by showing courage. He was one of the only people whom had a mind and heart kind enough to help the less-fortunate from certain death; only someone with immense integrity could have done this. Lastly, Schindler faced various obstacles such as getting arrested multiple times for trying to buy food for the Jews on the black market and even having to move his entire factory along with its workers. But with perseverance, Schindler pulled it off.  Schindler inspired me because he persisted to what he thought was right and stuck up for what he believed in. He could have easily died by just slipping an extra piece of food to these Jews, but instead he went further and nursed them back to health and gave them another chance at life. Schindler showed that you shouldn't be afraid of anything and you should show your morals by doing what you think is right. By taking a stand, it will show others that it is okay to express your feelings by actions.  With even one person stepping in to help, it could create a chain effect which could possibly last for years and years.

Works Cited

A American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. "Oskar Schindler." Jewish Virtual Library - Homepage. The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, 2011. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

Crowe, David. "Oskar Schindler." Encyclopaedia Judaica. Ed. Michael Berenbaum and Fred Skolnik. 2nd ed. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2007. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 13 Dec. 2011.

Oskar Schindler." Encyclopedia World Biography of. Vol. 18. Detroit: Gale, 1998. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 12 Dec. 2011.

"Oskar Schindler." U*X*L Biographies. Detroit: U*X*L, 2003. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 12 Dec. 2011