Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Jonathan, Englewood, NJ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:11:05 GMT

I cannot say I enjoyed reading this but it was good to read and remember. We need to make sure we pass on to the future generations the atrocities as well as the miracles which occurred during the holocaust

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Judi Goodwin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:11:57 GMT

This is a beautiful story.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Martha Mcelligott, Rockwood, TN. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:15:48 GMT

Angels from God, All of them. There are millions of reasons why they are here as living witness perhaps a gift to us from God, a truth we can never forget or
allow to ever happen again.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Hal Branham — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:18:54 GMT

Irena Sendler was a true hero deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. The world lost a saint when she left this earth.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

JIM LAWRENCE OAKWOOD GA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:21:28 GMT

THANKS IT GOOD TO READ SOME NEWS THAT TELLS OF SOMETHING NICE & GOOD THAT HAS HAPPEND BECAUSE A GREAT GOD LOVING WOMAN THAT WAS WILLING TO DO AS SO MANY OTHERS DID TO GIVE HER LIFE TO HELP OTHERS

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

AngieD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:26:09 GMT

God bless that woman's courage and give her eternal peace. And, Bless all those she saved.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Becky Burchfield, Houston, Texas — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:32:08 GMT

Bravery is not a lack of fear, but is positive action in the face of fear. Irena Sendler conquered her fear and acted as a moral and upright citizen of the world.

There may be others less known than she; there may be other acts of heroism that will never be known to us. Irena is the symbol of those acts, and remembering her honors all of them.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Paul, Ohio — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:34:41 GMT

Powerful. It never ceases to amaze me how courageous people take such lofty risks in order to help others in times of crisis. People like that are born with something inside that most others do not possess. While these heavily affected individuals celebrate this woman's life, the President of Iran spews hatred on a world stage in the very country where I live. Saying things like the Holocaust is a myth - tell that to Mr. Glowinski, whose emotional scars are very real and lasting. Why do I get the feeling that we are heading down a very scary and predictable path of complacency only 70 years after such a horrifying ordeal in human history. Why is it so easy to forget these lessons? Im young, but will my children have to fight a war to liberate a population being slaughtered just as my grandfather did. I hope not, for their sake. Its time to start acknowledging the very realistic threat that Iran and Ahmadinejad pose to the world in general. Now- before its too late.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Sharon, Arlington Tx — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:35:06 GMT

Thank you for this good story. It's always good to hear that some people did make it out of there and have been able to live long lives. And good to know they were able to do that by the help and kindness of others.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

kkb, Rio Rancho, NM — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:35:10 GMT

What a brave woman she was. God bless Irena Sendler!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Sceptre — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:36:28 GMT

But for the grace of God was this woman inspired to do
what she did for all those who survived. Her and those that helped her have and will reap the rewards of God's heavenly kingdom!

I will pray for those who did survive and are having a
hard time coping or existing with their past.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Charles Whealton, Delaware — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:37:35 GMT

What an absolutely incredible lady. I would have loved to have met her.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Jim Chiampi Irvine, CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:47:45 GMT

Stories of the righteous such as this provide delight and inspiration.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Jules Albany, NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:47:58 GMT

How Al gore, his home one of the largest consumers of power in all of Tennessee gets a Nobel Peace prize for "going green" while Irena Sendler does not is beyond me. Just like he invented the internet, Al Gore has invented himself a hero. This country is so screwed up. My grandmother and her sister were the only ones in her family who lived through the Holocaust. Sendler and the many others who helped her are the TRUE heroes among us!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Jacky Spaulding — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:48:10 GMT

I have been an independent "student" of the holocaust for many years. I am Catholic and began my "studies" when I discovered the part the Catholic Church had in not stopping this horrible blight on society. I have forgiven the Church but it took years and an apology from the Pope to make me forgive. Thank God for the people such as this woman who risked their lives and the lives of their loved ones because they saw discrimination and torture and endured it so others wouldn't be forced to. God is with this woman and her comtemporaries who did so much - like Raul Wallenberg and Elie Wiesel and so many more. This must never be forgotten or it will be repeated, not that it hasn't been repeated in several ways all over the world - Rawanda, Congo, China, The Arab Nations, etc. Please God, make it stop.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Raymond Day Redcar North Yorkshire England — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:50:38 GMT

Too many stories of heroism in WWII, are lost because no one writes about them, when they should be told all over the world to try and prevent futurs attrocities

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Randy Ausmus, Phoenix, Az. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:11 GMT

It great that this woman saved the lives of these Jews. However, we must not forget the thousands of Christians who aided the Nazi's in slaughtering the Jews, including the priests. This has been documented, but the Christian-controlled press does not let it out. Since God is make-believe, God has nothing to do with any of it.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Barbara Mitchell, Joplin, MO — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:03:07 GMT

I have known other survivors who were mentally and phycially scarred by the Holocaust. They are gone now, but not forgotten. Sendler was a saint and a hero, and may she find rest, peace, and a pat on the back in heaven.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Bob, Northern Virginia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:03:38 GMT

It is almost impossible to make an intelligent comment about anything Holocaust-related, because the scope of what happened is so much greater than anything that could be captured by an individual comment. That said, it is reassuring to know that there were these few good people in that time and place, and it is important to remember that humans are capable of such goodness. But it is also important to remember how vastly outnumbered and exceptional they were in their time and place. If they had been typical, the Holocaust would not have happened. When the apparatus of government is turned to evil ends, the good become criminals and criminals become the law. Even in the story of these heroes of the Holocaust, the cooperation of guards in rescuing the innocent was obtained by bribery, not by the guards personal desire to subvert the evil into whose service they had been pressed. But how many bribes can a minority of marginalized, virtuous people afford to pay in order to overcome the greatest power on their continent? I point this out, because the story of the Holocaust is so outrageous in its evil that the normal person's first reaction is to view it as an exception, turn away, and think: "It can't happen here." But the individual people of Nazi Germany and its vassal states were not unusually evil. While some Holocaust faciliators may have been influenced by Nazi ideology, it is likely that the vast majority of people who stood by and did nothing simply did not want to endanger themselves by making waves. Instead, they turned a blind eye to what was going on around them and went about their business with the attitude, "Don't make waves." We in the United States are no more immune from this temptation than anyone else. We are fortunate but we are not morally superior, and we should never allow ourselves to forget that. For me, the greatest lesson of these heroes of the Holocaust is that mass evil will fail to the extent individuals refuse to allow it to succeed; however, mass evil does succeed when individuals do not resist. Considering what can happen when people just go along and do what they're tole, each of us must do everything he or she can to make sure our society does not overvalue conformism.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Grand-daughter, MA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:05:50 GMT

My grandmother emmigrated from Poland to the USA before the Shoah, when she was a teenager, leaving behind 4 of her 5 brothers (one was already living in America). All 4 disappeared into that miasma. I wish they had known Irena Sendler, who is certainly in heaven; they might have survived.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

CeeVee — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:28:31 GMT

What srikes me as most amazing about this story is the risk that she took to save others, and how unlikely it would be for me to do the same under those circumstances. Imagine how much easier it would have been to turn her back and look the other way as almost all others did, including her church. In 1939, Germany and Russia were allies. They carved up Poland and were considered invincible. And yet this slight woman with the power of one took huge risks to save others. What a great tesimonial...

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

chris fritz indiana — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:31:53 GMT

the saddest part of this story is that she was to receive the Nobel peace prize but she came in 2nd behind al gore for his fairy tale story of global warming ...... we truly are a sad people not worthy of a woman of such heroics

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Don Stockstill, Ozark, Missouri — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:32:51 GMT

I enjoyed reading such a moving story but I must say that we had best watch out and be on guard because there are persons who would do the same thing again. I would bet that such persons/groups exist in every nation on earth. They use dffering labels to hide their identity. They may call themselves communists, facists, nazis, liberals, democrats, republicans, conservatives, laborites or by any other name but some of each, although not all, have the ideas that fluorished in the 1920's-1940's and caused the deaths of many innocent persons

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Believer, MD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:36:46 GMT

God created us with a free will. We as individuals choose how we will react to a situation. Irena Sendler chose to help other human beings in need. What a selfless act we all can learn from

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Skip Gregory, West Haven, Utah — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:38:27 GMT

What a heroic soul. We all owe Irena Sendler a debt of gratitude, both for the people she saved and for being such an example of extreme courage, and for standing up for humanity. We also owe the whole group that worked with her. Coming from the film industry, I, too was amazed that Al Gore's PowerPoint Presentation could win such awards while people and acts like this go unnoticed.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

lane rosen M.D. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:40:45 GMT

Wow, More of these type stories please.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Jonny D — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:43:28 GMT

As homocidal, genocidal and evil as the human race is, Ms. Sendler is inspirational proof that humananity is also capable of great love and kindness.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Teresa — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:47:57 GMT

What an inspiring woman ! There should be a book and a movie, so the story can be accessible to everyone. Stories like this need to be told over and over again, so that we never forget.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Dee, Hattiesburg, Mississippi — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:54:35 GMT

America has man citizens of Jewish, Polish, Catholic, etc., citizens; some are aware of their heritage, some not. The Holocaust and sufferings, not only of those who physically perished, but the living who suffered within the very depth of the soul, continues; even to those of us that only are descendants. Though I am consistently saddened to read of Holocaust experiences; I continue to absorb the stories; so that the World never forgets what happened during the Holocaust; has happened to other ethnicities; and still happens in the World. We must stop spiritual and ethnicity persecutions.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Mike Zolezzi, San Diego, CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:57:29 GMT

Irena witnessed the Gestapo executing Poles who aided Jews in avoiding capture. The Nazis would hang their bodies from the floors of apartment cmplexes, however, this did not stop Irena. Unlike the Pope Pius VIII she did not look away and forsake the Jewish People, she stood against Evil & won! Thank God.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

William W. Sanderson, E. Syracuse, NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:58:10 GMT

I have read many accounts of the holocaust as well as
very good movies; but this story touched my heart and
brought tears to my eyes. It brings the horror of this
monstrous scourge a little closer.
Thanks.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Chris Wilson, Raleigh, NC — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:59:25 GMT

I once heard it said that "When someone sees the danger that is involved in what they are going to do and then does it anyway, that is the defination of True Courage." I believe that, from her actions, she was the embodiment of True Courage. My God bless her and take her into his fold. She has already served her time in hell.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Pam, Little Rock, AR — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:08:31 GMT

Thanks for this story about another unsung heroine who battled evil during the Holocaust. We all need as many great role models as we can get!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

MARIA LOUGHLIN , MIAMI FLORIDA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:09:21 GMT

VERY MOVING STORIES, REMIND ME OF A CUBAN ANGEL, POLITA GRAU, THAT SAVE 14,000 CHILDREN FROM THE CASTRO COMUNIST GOVERMENT, WITH THE ORGANIZATION " PETER PAN "
GOD BLESS THIS TWO ANGELS !

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

MICKEY, SUNRISE, FLORIDA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:11:38 GMT

ALL THE ABOVE NOTES ABOUT THAT WONDERFUL WOMAN IRENA SENDLER ARE LIKE A STANDING OVATION FOR AN ADORED PERSONNAGE. WHERE EVER SHE MAY BE, BLESS HER SOUL FOR BEING A CARING AND LOVING PERSON. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE SUCH AS SHE ON OUR TROUBLED EARTH.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Rebekah Hyde santa rosa CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:11:38 GMT

WE SHOULD NEVER FORGET...MY FAMILY LIVED THROUGH IT AS NON JEWS,,,,AND I CAN NEVER FORGET, MY CHILDRENS CHILDREN WILL KNOW THE STORIES THAT HAVE BEEN PASSED TO ME.....NEVER FORGET.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

D. H. Miller, Seven Valleys, PA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:21:34 GMT

Although I taught the Holacaust for 30 years and am still amazed at the courage of the "Rescuers", I am even more amazed at how some people can turn a beautiful act of courage into a rant against Al Gore and Christians.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

travis, bryan, tx — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:34:16 GMT

This woman risked her life to save so many . . a 2007 candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize - usurped by VP Al Gore who took the award for making a movie. Sad.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

M Greene, Atlanta, Ga — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:36:18 GMT

It is undeniably true that Irena deserves the Nobel Peace Prize and a movie in her memory....but what has that got to do with Al Gore getting the prize, Jules Albany?...have you watched the most recent stories about the penguins in jeopardy because the ice is receding so quickly in the Arctic? We have a President and a potential Vice President who deny Global Warming is caused by humans.....just as we thank Irena for saving thousands with her courage, someday Al Gore will be similarly be thanked for saving thousands, more probably millions, for his action to open the eyes of the world before it's too late (if it's not already too late).

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

a believer, CT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:37:42 GMT

Irena Sendler should be made a saint, for what she did was truly a miracle...a miracle of humanity and courage.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Mike, Sewanee, GA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:37:45 GMT

Yes, the Catholic Church is not without blemish, in this and many other instances. After all, it is a human institution, run by men of the human condition. However, many people overlook the thousands of priests and other religious who stood up to Hitler's policies and paid with their lives. These and all who have upheld basic morality against the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Amin, Trujillo, etc. provide us with the example of modern-day sainthood. Blessings in this life and in the next on all the "Sendlers" who set the bar for the rest of us.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

SM — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:38:21 GMT

Wonderful woman. The people of Darfur could use someone like her!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Victoria — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:40:10 GMT

How very inspiring and humbling. I don't know if I could have done the same. In fact, I know I couldn't which makes her deeds [and others] so much more deserving of recognition. By the way, does anyone know how the Nobel Prize rumor got started? Apparently one cannot know if someone was nominated for at least 50 yrs [on the Nobel Prize website]. Thanks.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Paulie Calma, Twin Falls, ID — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:46:28 GMT

This story reminds us that in the face of what seems like unsurmountable evil an individual can make a difference. My grand mother, father and uncle survived the holocaust. My grandmother & great grandmother spent those years in hiding in an attic of a farmhouse owned by a catholic lady with another family. Many of my relatives died. It saddens me that dispite the accepted horror of such actions history has repeated itself with racial cleansing and economic execution and discrimination of minorities. Paulie Calma

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Amy, Denver, Colorado — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:48:43 GMT

braver than I could ever be....

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

ducksinthewind, Mesa AZ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:51:13 GMT

God bless Irena, and may she be with the Lord she served.

heroism is often seen in the spur of the moment, when "angels of our better nature" kick in. good samaritans are often asked "how could you take such a risk?" and the response is nearly ALWAYS "it was the only thing I could do at the time."

Irena Sendler, Stanislawa Bussoldowa, Yukiko and Chiune Sugihara, Oskar and Emilie Schindler, and the inspirational people whose stories are known and unknown were a different kind of hero: Conscience motivated them, not impulse. in the face of continuing need, they continued to risk everything.

Convenience, not fear of torture, is the stumbling block today. we recoil from helping when we see a continuing need, not because it may cost us everything, but because we will have to be committed to it for the long haul.

Finally, my personal hero is Emilie Schindler, because after all costs and triumphs, very near the end, she would not give up on one emaciated, sick and freezing man. he lived because Emilie never stopped seeing the Divine in each person.

In the coming hard times, i urge you: you will be called on, there will be so much human suffering.

Remember Conscience, In-Convenience, and the Eternal value of the individual.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Patrick, Orange, California — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:55:04 GMT

First off, this is a very touching story and demands to be retold. Please write more of these type of stories.

Secondly, a few people commented that priests from the Roman Catholic Church did nothing to stop the Holocaust. That is simply not true. There were trains full of priests that were sent to Auschwitz. Anyone who has read even basic literature on concentration camps can tell you that priests were treated brutally by the SS. Priests were special targets for the SS and some the worst tortures were reserved for them. It was an open hunting season on priests in any Germany occupied lands. The priests did speak out and they did suffer for it.

Third, Pope Pius VII ran an extremely efficient underground railroad. He saved so many Jewish lives that the fledgling state of Israel gave him an award for his efforts. He was recognized, thanked, loved and awarded from the Jewish communities publicly after the war. He did the most he could. He did not sit idly by and watch this happen as some would suggest. One or two modern history writers have tried to demonize Pope Pius VII. Judging from this board this propaganda did indeed succeed. Anyone who says the Pope did nothing during the war simply does not know what they are talking about. The Jewish people of that time recognized him for his efforts. The Jewish people who had DIRECT knowledge of his efforts give him that credit.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Suzanne Delman Lake George NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:00:32 GMT

It is very important to remember what happened during the Holocaust. Everyone must be made aware of the story - of the evil and violence that preoccupied an entire government - to destroy the Jewish people. We must nerver forget what happened so that we will do everything we can to make sure it never happens again. And at the same time, we grieve for inhumanity and loss of life, we must remember the ones who tried to fight it and emulate those ideals.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Kevin, Flyover USA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:02:06 GMT

G-- give us all the courage to do the right thing when we are given the chance. Great deeds are not done by politicians or the famous but by ordinary people who take the chances they are given to do the right thing no matter what the cost.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Cathy S. Rome, GA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:02:15 GMT

Truly Amazing that she would not win the Nobel Peace Prize!!! Well just go figure............

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Simon, Cleveland, Ohio — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:04:42 GMT

It can nhappen again - and there is a man from Iran who wants it too. Rather than take the heros' route and build up his country, he is taking the cowardly road to averting the focus to others, to Israel, to the U.S. and hatred. Let us all pray that he is taken down shortly - together with Putin and Assad!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Liza Bautista, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:11:14 GMT

For all of those interested in Irena's story, please check out "Life in a Jar." This play was written by a few teenagers in a small town in Kansas in 1999. They researched Irena as part of a school project. Their play has been performed internationally and continues to be staged throughout the US. These young people were fortunate enough to get to meet Irena and perform the play for her. This whole event is one of the most touching moments I've had the pleasure of witnessing, albeit second-hand.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Darrel Keesee, Mesa, Arizona — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:12:22 GMT

A truly moving story of valour and courage in the face of certain death. One of thousands of God's heroes he embodied to practice what they believed. A Nobel Prize for Man's recognition would only be befitting. However, Irena kept her eyes on the greater prize in both her professional and clansetine efforts.

Randy from Phoenix, there are many instances where a church does not openly oppose wrong-doing. But if you read your Bible, you will find that the fight is not about the same opposition in which we think of war. To say there were not open letters of opposition from many faith fronts is disappointing but to generalize is just as bad. We are told that few will persevere tribulations and he gifts those he choses for special tasks. Be one of the faithful that prays you will be guided on doing God's work and his hand to be against those that have a mind to repeat these atrosities.

The Jewish Rabbi or scholar that gave Elzbieta Ficowska the sage advice to accept her spiritual roots should also be applauded. He truly understood that God cannot be restricted to any one faith.

Excellent story and a testiment that scars of any war can be long-lasting and in need of help. Most of all, it is a testiment of seemingly ordinary people doing extrodinary feats in a humble and unselflish way.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Pat K, Philly PA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:17:18 GMT

Lest we forget:
In Germany they first came for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me —
and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

P Gottlieb, Chatsworth, CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:24:06 GMT

In hard times, there will always be people who will "Do the right thing" even risking their own lives if necessary. The question is "What will you do today to help someone less fortunate than you?"

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Matthew Cloner — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:28:53 GMT

I lost members of my family in the Holocaust. This event - oftentimes referred by Jews as the Shoah - has cast a very long shadow over my life. Irena Sendler was one of the many "Righteous Christians" who risked their lives to save the lives of their Jewish neighbors and friends. As Jesus once said, there is no act greater than a person who is willing to lay down their lives for their friends. Irena Sendler was placed into a very awful situation, and she did what God wished her to do. We must never forget what happened, since history has a way of repeating itself - over and over again. Evil is a very real force in this world and we must do everything we can to defeat it.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

norman, Scottsdale, AZ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:30:50 GMT

All of the comments are thoughtful and worthy. Good people doing extraordinary acts should be prominently recognized. The fourth estate would do well to note the thirst that MANY people have for such information. Not all of us are attracted to celebrity glorification or sensationalism.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Mark, Duxbury, MA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:31:48 GMT

Irena Sendler is a true hero. She took the ultimate risk to save the lives of innocents.

It gives me hope that human beings can care for one another regardless of differences in faith or ethnicity. Our country seems to be so divided by self-righteous anger these days, culture wars intentionally started to divide black from white, Christian from gentile, urban from rural. God Bless Irena for reminding us that beneath the skin, we are all human.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

P. Goyal, Texas — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:32:12 GMT

God does wonders through people like Sendler. It is to remind us all that one should stand up against cruelty and tyrany at all costs. Thank you Miss Sendler for youe selfless service to humanity. Thank you.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

James, New York, NY — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:35:22 GMT

This is such an emotional story. Truly the story of a saint. However, to readers/writers - please do not politicize the story. It is a beautiful story and Irena Sendler should be honored but not used to score political points. Whatever your religion or belief is, lets celebrate the life of a courageous woman and not use it to score political points.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Beth K. Cherry Hill,NJ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:36:22 GMT

All who worked to save the Jewish people from the Nazi horror are forever heroes.They risked their own lives to save others because they believed that when good people stand by and do nothing in the face of evil,that evil then triumphs.We could all learn lessons from these beautiful souls.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Joe, seattle, wash — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:39:07 GMT

This is an incredible story. But imagine how different our world history could have been if another country had taken action in 1936 and stopped Hitler from becoming a world menace. And yet, even today, people deride president Bush for doing exactly that - stepping in and stopping a self-proclaimed dictator (Sadaam) when he attached and conquered a neighboring country... Thank God for President Bush and the USA, for stopping another "would-be" Hitler...

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Tom Pearcey, Carolina, Rhode Island — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:40:22 GMT

I don't know why, but since having learned of the holocaust over 60 years ago now, sadness and tears still well up inside of me, when I read these stories of horrific loss and heroism.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Matt, Westminister, Maryland — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:42:32 GMT

We Must remember the Holocaust. We must NEVER let this happen again. Irena Sendler is a saint. She showed true courage in the face of Death. She is a HERO!!!!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

GM, Boston Mass — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:44:05 GMT

Thank you for this beautiful story. It was the most important and moving thing that has happened to me all day.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Dave — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:47:18 GMT

Hey Jules from Albany: Al Gore WAS a driving force behind the internet but NEVER claimed to have "invented" it.
Educate yourself and quit believing ignorant Republican propaganda!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

multipurpose, chicago — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:51:20 GMT

How did she get away with it? It makes you think there was an element of protection (human) that she didn't tell about or know about. I know I would never be so brave. I am even afraid at security check-in at the airport.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

M. Holtz, Janesville, WI — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:53:33 GMT

Thanks for the story of such heroism. It hopefully will inspire others to do the same in the face of difficulities. Thanks for getting it out!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Moushe, Daleville, Pa. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:56:52 GMT

Irena took a chance on life while other took life's chances away! Never forget Irena and so many others like her during such bad times then. God Bless Irena!.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Robert S. Forrest — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:01:26 GMT

Thank you for publishing this important and compelling story.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

J, Destin, Fl — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:02:47 GMT

I recently came back from Poland. I saw first hand the camps and the horrible things that the Nazi's did to anyone they didnt like. For a woman to stand up against the Nazi regime, is a truly amazing story and to have saved so many innocent children is truly great. My heart goes out to her and everyone else who was affected by the Holocaust. I will always have a lasting image in my mind of what I saw and read. And to think, this only happened a little over 60 years ago.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Brian Peterson, Austin, TX — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:07:09 GMT

Courageous action comes in many forms and from people who may not at first appear heroic. Sendler was a true living super heroine.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Jane — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:09:44 GMT

This makes me cry to think of the horrors that people could do such things to each other. But the human spirit still survives and there is good living some people. What inspiration. I wonder if I could have been so brave.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Linda B. — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:10:22 GMT

This woman is among those known as the "Righteous" and is an inspiration to all of us not to stand by idly when we see wrong doing. This should be our natural state, but unfortunately this world is imperfect. Irene is only one hero and I am sure there are many others whose stories will never be known or told. One of the previous comments talked about the priests who stood by or aided the Nazis. I would like to share the story of one who did not Maximillan Kolbe who was a very learned man with a doctorate in philosophy.

During the Second World War Maximillan Kolbe provided shelter to refugees from Greater Poland, including 2,000 Jews whom he hid from Nazi persecution in his friary in Niepokalanów. He was also active as a radio amateur, with Polish call letters SP3RN, vilifying Nazi activities through his reports.

On February 17, 1941 he was arrested by the German Gestapo and imprisoned in the Pawiak prison, and on May 25 was transferred to Auschwitz as prisoner #16670.

In July 1941 a man from Kolbe's barracks vanished, prompting SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl Fritzsch, the deputy camp commander, to pick 10 men from the same barracks to be starved to death in Block 13 (notorious for torture), in order to deter further escape attempts. (The man who had disappeared was later found drowned in the camp latrine). One of the selected men, Franciszek Gajowniczek, cried out, lamenting his family, and Kolbe volunteered to take his place.

During the time in the cell he led the men in songs and prayer. After three weeks of dehydration and starvation, only Kolbe and three others were still alive. Father Maximilian's death was heroic. He did not whine, nor murmur. He encouraged others that they would soon be with Mary in heaven. And each time the guards checked on him he was standing or kneeling in the middle of the cell and looking calmly at those who entered, while the others laid moaning and complaining, on the ground around him. Finally he was murdered with an injection of carbolic acid. Some who were present at the injection say that he raised his left arm and calmly waited for the injection. He died soon after.

Father Kolbe was beatified as a confessor by Pope Paul VI in 1971 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 10, 1982 in the presence of Franciszek Gajowniczek the man he saved. Upon canonization, the Pope declared St. Maximilian Kolbe not a confessor, but a martyr.

These are the real heroes. May God grant all of us the peace and courage to act when we are called to do so.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Kathy Sansone, St. Charles, Missouri — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:13:45 GMT

We live in a cynical world of greed and a "Me" generation. Little do we hear of such heroic acts of kindness and goodness. People need to be made more aware of the inhuman acts that took place during the Holocaust and the undying commitment to human life (with little or no regard for their own lives), of the brave people who tried to help a mass of millions. Oskar Schindler was another of these individuals. Everyone should visit the Holocaust museums around our country;look at the horror of the photographs taken of mass graves;listen to the stories of the Jewish people whose loved ones died in gas chambers or were tortured; view the striped clothing with Jewish Stars of David pinned to them; see the tattoo numbers on their arms, the collection of shoes and personal belongings heaped up in piles; or lamp shades made of human skin. If all of this is not enough to make you sit down and cry or be ashamed of these transgressions, you need to search your soul and ask God to forgive you. Irena Sendler in my opinion is ranked up there with Mother Theresa. Surely she was an angel sent by God in a time of need to save as many lives as she could. Such a humble person, that it took her death to bring to light the magnificent miracles she accomplished in her own lifetime. May God bless her in heaven and give her lasting peace. I am not Jewish, but a Christian who believes that Life is the most precious gift on earth.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

David, Greenwood, Indiana — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:14:12 GMT

Amen to all of the above! Now that you understand the threat, now is not the time to set back and be complacent. Now is the time (to burrow the words of Abe Lincoln) "let us here be dedicated so that these heroic people will not have died in vane". Dedicate your self/life to building bridges between people, not walls. Find a good volunteer org that is doing that.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Bob Jones — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:15:58 GMT

I'm not a Republican.
I'm not an anti-environmentalist crusader.
I believe global warming is real.

But.

Al Gore should not have won the Nobel Prize over this woman. He made a movie. He made some speeches. He raised awareness. This woman was tortured and hunted by Nazis and saved children. She was a HUMANitarian.

And, this may make me sound like one of those things I claim not to be, but I believe the "style" and "brand" of environmentalism that Al Gore represents is a fad. True environmentalism is an important scientific endeavor, but Al Gore is a trend.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Anis Aqeel, Bayonne, NJ — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:17:34 GMT

Incredible and mind shaking story of this brave woman whom one can easily say a righteous, heavenly figure. Indeed her place is at a lofty point and must be enjoying a peaceful rest in paradise. What a piece of humanity! May God Almighty rest here soul in paradise and reward her loved ones who are alive, and here coming generations too, for this great deed.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Andrew, Orange, CT — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:19:17 GMT

This story truly inspires me. I will never forget the love and dedication of Irena Sendler.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

TERI O. SACO, ME — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:19:26 GMT

I spent a week in Munich Germany this summer. I had the honor of visiting Dachau. The feeling I had while walking through the gate and walking on the very ground that so many people died and were humiliated on was my small attempt to say Yes this happened and you have not been forgotten. God Bless Ms Sendler and may she continue to be a spokes person for the people who have died and may her story inspire US as a nation to fight the fight for as long as we need.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Grace, San Diego, CA — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:21:53 GMT

I read most of the story and couldn't bear to read the rest of it. It sadden me and brought tears to my eyes. It seems everytime i turn around there is a holocaust happening in this world. There is too many evil men in his world.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Izzy, Topeka, KS — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:23:34 GMT

I'm "addicted" to WWII and the tragedies of it. To hear a story like this is not only moving, but uplifting. I am part Jewish and German-I had family on both sides. I don't know how I would have handled the same situation, but to know there were, and I believe still are, people in this world like this woman makes me proud to be alive.

To this woman and to the people fighting for what they believe in, and for the people supporting them.
God Speed.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Amanda — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:28:25 GMT

this statement: "If one spends his life in the ghetto and then hiding, locked in a closet or in a stack of potatoes, his whole life is marked by that experience," he said. "It is the dominant element of my life that puts everything else in perspective. The childhood trauma remains the most important element of my biography."

Shall mark me, imagine living your life like that and then having to try and live a normal life on the outside.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Wilton Dillon, Elbert, Colorado — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:29:37 GMT

while it is true that many of the Catholic faith stood idly by or aided in the inhuman atrocities of the holocast, so did most Protestants, and those of many other religious or political persuasion. We, in the U.S.,certainly have no reprieve from the "critical eye" of history in this sorry period of of the 20th century. One would hope that there were many more like Irena Sendler in the world today that would make such a life/death choice for others. I do wonder, though, when we look around us at the world of "me first" and the often-seen attitude of disinterest or boredome with the struggles of life that a majority of people live with all around us. There will be more of these "holocausts" in our new century, as in centuries past, some as awful or more so in their time and place. Goodness and evil seem to be twin images of the human personality. Evil is only magnified by those who institutionalize the process of seperating the "good", "worthy", or "gifted" persons from the presumably less worthy, good, or gifted populations of the earth. Do we still do that today, in our own country of liberty, freedom, "tolerance". Of course. There may not have been enough Irena's available to those in desperate circumstances during WWII, certainly not in Germany and the occupied countries, but also in most of the world at that time, including here. What will we witness when this type of "human disease" of the human condition comes to our individual attention. Someone, earlier, had it right when they said there were many unsung heroes of the holocaust who paid the full measure, and sometimes their entire familie's existence, for their efforts to give assistance to those singled out for "cleansing/extermination" for the "greater good", as it was then termed. One will never know them by name, but hopefully a just God will hold them close and remember their names in the book of life. Let's pledge our time and lives to their memory and the courage they showed when it meant the most. They deserve that at least, as our thanks. I doubt whether Nobel prizes would mean as much to them, even if so recognized, as our attention to those principles of love, trust, and a faith in something better outside themselves that they demonstrated by their lives. Let's give them that "prize" for their sacrifice and courage. Forget the Nobel prize, they deserve much more from us than that!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Lee SL, Croton on Hudson, NY — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:50:46 GMT

As a young girl, a family friend was saved from death by being snuck across a border in a sack on someone's back. The rest of her family remained behind and perished. Perhaps it was even Irena Sendler (she was very young a doesn't remember who it was). Irenea deserves nothing but honor and recognition for her stunning acts of bravery and humanity.

However, will the people whining about the Nobel Peace Prize please give it a rest? The Nobel Committee decides who wins its various prizes based on its own criteria and its own judgement. If you don't like who they picked, create your own darn prize.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Stan - Tustin, CA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:26:01 GMT

An act of courage by a little lady, who knew the difference between right and wrong. Could any of us reading her story, have done as much? G-d rest her soul.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

LL, New Mexico — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:26:08 GMT

i have heard people ask, "Where was G_d during the Holocaust?" to defend their atheism. I point them to people like this brave lady and numerous others like her who were willing to risk their lives to save fellow human beings. Just like there is a Hall of the Righteous at the Washington, D. C. Holocaust Museum there is probably a Hall of Heroes in Heaven for them. We are commanded to defend those who cannot defend themselves - the widows, the fatherless, etc.. It is our moral obligation, therefore, to defend the most helpless of all - the unborn. We can all be heroes in their eyes.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

JJ — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:48:15 GMT

I will try to be blunt but nice.We as the world do need to remember this is school,But to keep making a big deal still to this day does not help progress life.You make more problems to keep it out there in your face and not realize its over and done let the history stay history.The past is in the past lets deal with the future

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Walter Morningstar, Newport News, Virginia — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:45:45 GMT

It is a wonderful story, I wonder how many more stories just like hers are still out there just waiting for someone to tell them. We should honor these people before the pass away not just after. I thank the Good Lord for having smiled on her and for creating such a wonderful angel.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Wendy W, Springfield, MO — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:46:12 GMT

Wow! I have new hero now! Irena Sendler was not only a brave saint, she was also very strong and must
have been very intelligent and persuasive! I can't help but wonder how she did it all! She managed to gather many volunteers, obtained false identities, found jobs and places for so many! She saved so many! Just think of all of the people who are here today because of her!

I can't even fathom how frightening and horrible the Holocaust was!

Kudos to one of the greatest women who ever lived!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Dan Bentler Seattle Wa — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:03:22 GMT

We need to hear about this lady, Schindler and the other hundreds of people who helped Jews and others survive the Nazis. We need to be reminded that there are always a few who do what is right. We need to hear it so we can do the same thing regardless of how small or inconsequential it is.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

J, Texas — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:16:13 GMT

Emotional and amazing story!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

James Hallman , Tuscaloosa Alabama — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:13:44 GMT

What is really sad, is that the holocaust has essentially dominated the WWII era making the sacrifices of so many other peoples including our American soldiers almost a footnote to the holocaust industry used by international Jewry to extort many from countries and individual corporations throughout Europe. This story is touching on an emotional, individual level but it doesn't shed light on the many lies and distortions by the Jews concerning the so-called holocaust unfortunately.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Lydia, New York — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:08:35 GMT

You can't blame the Catholic Church- look at what Pius XII did both before and during. My grandmother lived in occupied Rome during the war- and they hid a jewish man in their apartment- and she owes her survival to all the efforts of the Catholic Church during that time. Bless them.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Susan White — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:24:19 GMT

It amazes me that the majority of a cizilized country like Germany was in the 1930s could allow these things to happen in the first place.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Monika Whitlow — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:22:59 GMT

I was born in Germany in 1942, and whenever I read a story like this, I cry and cry and cry. I am 66 years old now, living in America, and my memories about the that terrible war "become alive" when I read the stories about the Holocaust. As a grandmother of 8, I want to write a book for them, so we never forget.... Children in War..!!
"Those who have lost the most in war are also the ones who have the most to gain by putting aside feelings of revenge, going beyond our own cocoon, learning to forgive and making peace with our own painful past"
Given the enormity of the crimes committed by the Third Reich, it may be difficult for some readers to muster sympathy for the suffering of the German children. But it serves to remind us of the basic humanity that must continue to link us.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

warren j., edmonton, ab. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:26:53 GMT

wow...god bless her.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Richard Hobbs, Cortez, CO — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:40:36 GMT

Irena Sendler! Aloaf of bread for all humanity.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Adam Muskegon, MI — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:50:01 GMT

This remarkable story is about a woman who was so far beyond the many petty things we think are so important now. She didn't do these things for a Nobel Prize later. That's like people now who "volunteer" to help others just to get an award. She didn't do these things to spite everyone else who was trying to survive so we could look back at that age and pass blame over and over again on those who "allowed" this to happen. SHE did these things because people were dying and she couldn't let that happen. She made the choice to help. End of story. Let us celebrate this woman and the many others who could not let people die around them and let us do so without comparing them to unimportant modern issues/people or past mistakes by other people. We all are human, we all make mistakes and misjudge, and we'd all do better to strive to be more like this woman.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

T. Valentino Beharry, Georgetown, Guyana,South America — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:33:47 GMT

The Holocaust is the single most atrocious event in the history of the human race. It boggles my imagination everytime I try to think about it. Was this really "real"? Or was it an evil figment of my mind? I feel I might just wake up and discover it is just a stupid dream....that man cannot be so evil...so heartlessly cruel towards his fellow human ! Oh God how I wish it is not true...I just cant believe this! !My heart goes out to Irena Sendler..God Bless You!!!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Till Brauer Mongil, San Juan, Puerto Rico — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:43:03 GMT

God Bless Irena Sandler! As the child of a German Jew displaced from Berlin by the holocaust, stories like this one have always filled in the blanks, unspoken by the persons that suffered such atrocities and crimes against humanity. Hope that something like this never happens again. Thanks Irena, may you rest in peace!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Cara, Brisbane, Australia — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:53:45 GMT

What every member of the human race should ask themselves is this: if something like the holocaust should ever happen again, even on a smaller scale, would we have the courage and fortitude to be like Ms Sendler or would we stand idly by and join the persecuters?

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Vivian Smith, Wingate, NC — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:49:12 GMT

WOW...what a story. I was born in 1958 and studied the Holocaust in 7th grade when reading the diary of anne frank. Fear of living everyday....replaced by faith in saving human lives..what a real lady she is! I say is, although she is deceased from earth I truly believe she lives on in the heavenly realm as a saint! We need to seek deep within ourselves and allow God to grow us up in this kind of faith in Him and in human lives. Victory abounds in the hearts of those who live as the lady does, with or without winning prizes from mankind on earth.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Joseph Caracciolo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:54:11 GMT

Let us not blemish this beautiful woman's courage with politics and polemics. Instead, let us pause and reflect that people like she and other true heroes give us hope for brighter days. We thank you Irena Sendler.

(Note: The Bishop of Rome during the Shoah was Pius XII. The frequently names Pius VII preceded him by centuries)

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Dina, Vanderbijlpark — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:55:41 GMT

They say integrity is knowing which path to take --- courage is taking it.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Wayne, Baconton, Ga. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:13:08 GMT

No greater love has a person than to lay down their live for another person. This lady laid everything on the line to help others in need.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Thomas Gaskins, Richmond, VA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:18:27 GMT

Despite what Randy Ausmus from Phoenix wrote, this is a beautiful and inspiring story. It speaks of the kind of love that Jesus Christ first exhibited in saving all of us from persecution and a death worse than any savage being or savage government could dole out. Whether you choose to outwardly admit that there is a God, Randy, He still exists and loves His creation very much. Heroes like the wonderful woman (and others) in this story get their strength, courage, faith and will to risk it all in the name of love because a loving, forgiving Creator lives inside of her/them/us. Perhaps if more people sought to have a relationship with Him, the world would be a better and less wicked place.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Robyn Hopkins, Spokane WA — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:21:32 GMT

We can never forget what happened. I am in awe of the people who found the courage to help protect those who were targeted. I would like to think I would be among those who helped, had I been there. I love my Jewish friends.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

J L Cole — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:33:27 GMT

Thank you for this story. I cried as I read it. It made my day to know that people are immortal by not what they do to themselves (look younger and feel great) but what they do for others. Life on this world is given to us by God, not necessarily for ourselves, but for others. She made a choice to act and did and saved the lives of many. It must have been difficult. I cannot imagine what she must have went through but I am glad to see that someone reported it and made it known. And to use the analogy of Christ, the woman did this action not for herself but for others, the same like he did. I am glad.

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Dee, Omaha, Nebraska — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:02:31 GMT

Love and hate are universal. It is our choice which one to embrace. It is obvious which one Irena chose and God bless her for it. There were people from all walks of life, all classes, races, political and religious factions involved in the crimes committed during the Holocaust....either on the side responsible for them and participating in the horror or the side made up of those willing to suffer and sacrifice on behalf of the victims or potential victims. It was a choice then, and it's a choice now. How many of us will stand up against the same type of horror and genocide and hate and bashing that is going on right here and now, all over the world, right under our noses? How many of us are shouting "Enough! This has to end now?!" Have I? Have you? Ask yourselves which group you belong to and pray for the strength to choose right and then DO something about it! If you read your Bible (mostly New Testament) you will find the scriptures that warn that we ALL will be judged by how we treated the poor, the widows and the Jews. Think about that. Those who have treated them abominably will suffer the consequences. Those who have treated them with compassion, help and love will be rewarded in kind. God Bless and Love all of you, now and in the past, who have done the latter. And, to Bob in Northern Virginia...."Right on Brother" and to Randy in Phoenix, I'll pray for you sweetie...you were correct in your accusation but not your assessment of God. But he loves you anyway....that's why he's so awesome!

Holocaust heroine recalled by two she saved

Dennis, Miami, Fl. — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:48:18 GMT

The Nobel Prize should definately have gone to Irena Sendler or Sendlerowa, as it is known in Polish. Many a people are still not ready to let the "pro - Polish," heroic truths of WWII/holocaust be told, as they should be, already. It is not right, as truth, slowly but surely comes about. They should still award her the noble prize.

Irena Sendler saved close to 3,000 Jews, which were mostly children. She was able to do this as a health worker, entering the ghetto with hidden food and supplies, and leaving with bundles or boxes, appearring as presents, with Jewish children hidden inside... amazing! Irena was caught and beaten and tortured to near death, by the Germans. She remained paralyzed from this beating ever since and NEVER betrayed the Zegota group in Poland that worked to save Jews.

Only in Poland were you, your entire family and very often entire Polish villages slaughtered for helping or just handing Jews an apple or just water - instantly. Germans usually hung Polish-Catholics in the village square, for examples of consequences for Poles, even thinking of helping Jews.

Schindler had no such danger or risk whatsoever. He was teased by his fellow Germans and never, ever under any real threat of death or tortue, as ALL POLES were. With all due respect to schindler, Irena and NOT Schindler merits a big epic movie. Poor Irena, a true hero in the trenches of terror and death, is overlooked twice: hollywood/Spielberg and, more tragically, the Nobel Prize committee!

Priets and nuns were the first to be rounded up and slaughtered. The frustrating and ignorant thoughts of some here need straightening out. Priests and nuns were lined up, tortured and murdered daily by the Germans (You know, the Germans who killed 11 million, has Germany somehow paid $$$$$ its way out of the holocaust - sadly, it appears so). Churches and convents were a safehaven for thousands of Jews who are decent enough to admit they were helped, as there are many - To da rah bah! In Dachau alone, over 3,000 priests were murdered. Dachau became the preist killing concentration camp, as well as Auschwitz, where for the first 2 years of Auschwitz' existence, ONLY Polish-Catholics were worked and usually starved to death.

Some comments talk about and condemn those who didn't help. Do you mean the USA and countries that weren't brutally and savagely occupied by BOTH Germany and Communist Russia? - I hope that's what you meant, otherwise you're just another one of those....

Many Poles will never be honored because, as mentioned, they were murdered instantly. Irena, who would want no credit; a pure and ultruistic human being, is a great symbol for the thousands and thousands of Poles, who will never be recognized for their decency and heroics. Remember these Polish children: who on Auschwitz'opening day walked and skipped along, to Auschwitz, not knowing the misery and death that awaited them;, Polish women, Germans favorite to rape and do horrid Mengele experiments on; and the Polish men who were just about all killed, fighting two super power satans, on 'all' european fronts, while being abandoned by the world - even with Polish Courrier, Jan Karski begging Roosevelt to do something!; Roosevelt abandonned Poland and the Jews. Free Jews didn't do much either.

Horrible and sensationalized books, with a focus of hate and profit have ripped open many a wounds that were healing and moving in a peaceful direction; ironically between the two peoples who suffered and lost the most in WWII: Poles/Poland and Jews. These hate books, since disproven: Jedwabne, by gross Gross, where finally proven by exhumation that the Germans ordered, organized and carried out the killing of some 150 - 200 Jews(bodies were exhumed), and not the origonal distortion of 1600, and Kielce, wher some 20 Jews were killed by a Stalin instigated and ordered pogrom.

And finally, when you think of Irena Sendler, think of banning one of the most horrible and untrue, anti-Polish depictions of Poles and Poland under the Nazi terror; a book that is aimed at impressionable young school students to defame Irena Sendler?!, Poles, Poland and teach horrible racism and a very bigoted and distorted views, again, aimed at young and very impressionable schoolchildren. This book: maus, which, fortunaetly is being banned more and more by sensible and sensitive school teachers and administrators. Polish children, as well as any child, subjected to this hate book, is wounded twice: having a Polish grandparent, parent or relative who was a victim of the holocaust, and going home crying and tormented by maus,i.e., my relatives and family were also killed and tortured, why does a hate book like maus put the knife deeper and deeper into an already tortured and humiliated Polish heart? May maus continue to be banned and go away, as it should.

I wish so, that I too, could have met and given Mrs. Irena a big, big hug and held her tight. Thank you Mrs. Irena Sendlerowa because I am alive to write this email because of people like you. When these anti-Polish and untrue hate books come my way, I will think of the true and honorable Polish person you are and spread what is true because "truth,' makes everyone feel better in the long run. Forget Spilberg and the noble prize Committee. Mrs. Sendler you have won these prizes, 3,000= times over, with each little Jewish birthday present you carried out of the ghetto, nearly 3,000+ (new generations...)times and the admiration of all that is true and noble.