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Oskar Schindler

by Kate from New Zealand


Oscar Schindler was a poor German businessman looking for a way to make a living. He had a vision that would bring him fame and riches. He left his wife, town and everything he owned behind and headed to Krakow, Poland. There he organised where and when high ranking officers and colonels of the German and Nazi armies would be at certain restaurants and pubs. He would buy them drinks and expensive cigarettes and, in return, they would have a conversation. After a while, they would become friends. Oscar Schindler learned of all the German plans for the war and of the many assaults against the Jews.

He borrowed some money from a new friend to buy a factory just outside of town. With the money, he opened the factory up and started producing goods. He did not have to pay workers, as the German officers gave him Jewish prisoners of war from the "ghetto" and isolation camps to work in his factory for free. Oscar Schindler became one of the wealthiest men in Krakow and was able to pay off his loan.


Although Oscar Schindler supported the Nazis and the war, he saw what was happening to the Jews and knew it wasn't right. They were getting murdered by the thousands and were treated unjustly because of their heritage. He put his life on the line to save generations and, as time went by, he forgot about wealth and riches and became devoted to saving the lives of Jews. He had many more Jewish slaves in his factory than he ever needed and spent millions on protecting his plans from the Germans.

He looked after his slaves till the end of the war and no Jewish slave was ever killed in his factory. At the end of the war, he emerged broke and had nowhere to go, but he had saved over 1200 lives. Generations of Jews live today because of him.

Page created on 2/16/2011 12:18:14 PM

Last edited 2/16/2011 12:18:14 PM

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Related Links

Oskar Schindler - This site includes a biography, pictures and much more.
Oskar Schindler - Jewish Virtual Library

Extra Info

Oskar Schindler (1908-1974) saved generations of Jews, now known as "Schindler's Jews," because of the Jews he saved in World War II. There are 7,000 descendants who are still alive today, scattered among the US, Europe and Israel. He saved more people in World War II than any other person, risking his life for them. He is now known around the world. Oskar Schindler is a hero in more ways than one.
 

Author Info

This is a brief story about Oscar Schindler, a late war hero, saviour of thousands of Jews and prisoners of war. It tells how a man starting with an idea to get rich fast became a source of hope for thousands of people.