The Nurse Who Saved Children From Nazis By Hiding Them In Coffins, WWII

By | January 27, 2017

Born on February 15, 1910 in Warsaw, Poland; Irena Sendler, persevered to study medicine. She devoted her life to the service of others, whatever the cost may be.

The young nurse was designated to one of the most infamous places prior to World War II - the Warsaw Ghetto.

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“The hatred the German occupiers was stronger than fear…. My father taught me to reach out to a drowning man, even if you can’t swim. it was Poland who was drowning”

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Irena joined the resistance organization called “Zegota.” These are band of heroes who made it their mission to liberate Jews trapped in the ghetto.

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During the Nazi occupation of Poland, Sendler was among the most active and dedicated workers aiding the Jews. Her courageous acts not only saved 2,500 Jewish children, it also paved the way for the survival of generations of their descendants.

With the use of her nursing knowledge, she assisted the kids who were often fragile and malnourished. She supported them to get back on their feet and hide out of the city. Then she hid them in the most unexpected place: coffins. The genius plan enabled the children to be spirited away to freedom from the ghetto.

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Eventually, the Nazis found out what Irena was doing. She bore the burden of facing their sadistic interrogation for a long time, but never said a word to her detainers. Thankfully, Irena’s friends were one day able to bribe an officer. This gave them the opportunity to smuggle Irena out of prison.

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Recently freed, the revolutionary while away constantly hiding for the next few years; on the run under an alias. Even though she was afraid to be discovered, Irena eventually sneaked to her former home to get a treasure that would lead to the answers to all the children she saved.

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Buried away inside metal cans in her neighbor’s yard, Irena kept a list every child she rescued. When the war was over, Irena reached out to every child whose past was concealed in those cans to help bring healing, closure and guidance to a hurting generation.

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Before she died at the age of 98, Irena had the gratification of meeting with several families she assisted during her years.

This incredible woman died a fearless hero. You can purchase the book Irena's Children: The Extraordinary Story of the Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children from the Warsaw Ghetto here.

Watch the 15-minute documentary about her feats in the video below. Trust us, it’s very worth it.

H/T InspireMore | K-State College of Education