As we noted in our editorial this week, more and more we are hearing stories of amazing human beings who saved Jews during WW II. It makes us wonder how many stories are out there that have yet to be discovered. Or, how many stories that will never be discovered?
There’s no better time for us to be hearing this message. In an ultra-polarized world, where people wonder if they can be friends with someone who holds different views, where divisiveness is intentionally sowed by some of the social media we use, we need this reminder: Humans have the capacity for kindness, goodness and courage.
Page 1: Ángel Sanz-Briz, a Spanish diplomat who saved more than 5,200 Jews from Auschwitz. For political reasons, his story was suppressed. Now, it’s being told.
He’s not the only Righteous Gentile whose efforts to aid Jews was suppressed or even critiqued by the establishment. In Switzerland, Paul Grüninger, a police officer helped Jews cross over from Germany into neutral Switzerland. For his efforts, he lost his job. Only decades later was he rehabilitated.
Turn to page 2 and read about Col. Thomas Joseph Kendrick, a British spy who saved 10,000 Austrian Jews.
Turn to page 4 and read about the rescue Zilla Gabrielle Cahn by Jacqueline Prandi, a Righteous Gentile from Oulches, France — and she wasn’t the only person from that village to protect innocent Jews.
Over the years, we have told other stories, of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese consul in Lithuania, or Princess Alice, the recently deceased Duke of Edinburgh’s mother — just to name two.
Spreading these people’s stories is worthy because it highlights brave individuals who risked their lives to save our brethren. We also hope that by disseminating their stories, it will encourage others with similar stories in their families to bring them to light.
