Sprawiedliwi

Sprawiedliwi is a Polish term that translates to "Righteous" and is used to honor non-Jewish individuals who, during the Holocaust, risked their lives to save Jews from extermination by Nazi Germany. These individuals acted out of moral conviction, courage, and compassion in the face of extreme danger to themselves and their families. The actions of the Sprawiedliwi were often undertaken in secret, as aiding Jews was punishable by death under Nazi occupation.

The most well-known institution dedicated to recognizing these rescuers is Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Yad Vashem bestows the title of Righteous Among the Nations upon those who saved at least one Jewish life, provided they did not seek financial gain for their actions. The names of these individuals are inscribed on the Wall of Honor in the Garden of the Righteous.

The motivations of the Sprawiedliwi varied, encompassing humanitarianism, empathy, religious beliefs, and personal relationships with Jewish friends and neighbors. Despite the immense risks, thousands of Poles, alongside individuals from other occupied nations, provided shelter, food, false documents, and assistance in escaping ghettos and concentration camps. Their bravery stands in stark contrast to the indifference and complicity of many others during this dark period of history. The legacy of the Sprawiedliwi serves as a reminder of the capacity for good even in the most horrific circumstances.