Irena Sendler- a Catholic Hero

Irena Sendler was born as Irena Krzyżanowska on 15 February 1910 in Warsaw, an only child Dr.Stanisław Krzyżanowski, a physician, and his wife, Janina.

Irena’s father died in February 1917 from typhus. He caught the disease while treating patients other doctors wouldn’t treat (amongst then many Jews).

After his death, Jewish community leaders offered her mother help in paying for Irena’s education.

Irena studied Polish literature at Warsaw University. She was banned from the university for protesting against the ghetto system.

When world war II broke out, Irena worked as a social worker, the municipal government employed her.

She was sent to work at the Warsaw Ghetto. While Irena worked at the Ghetto, she contacted jewish orginazations, (Zegota), and with their help she smuggled Jews from the Ghetto, and once they were free she participated in taking them to safe locations.

Irena saved around 2500 Jews!

Eventuelly the Nazis found out about Irena’s actions, and on October 20, 1943 she was arrested, imprisoned and tortured by the Gestapo (a german police for finding Jews), who broke her feet and legs. Irena was sent to the Pawiak Prison, but no one could break her spirit. Irena was the only one that knew the adresses of the hiding Jewish children, and she wouldn’t betray them. Irena’s bravery cost her legs.  Irena was Sentenced to death,but was saved at the last minute when Zegota members bribed one of the Gestapo agent. She escaped from prison but couldn’t save any more Jews, since she was under surveillence .

After the war, Irena lead a very peaceful life, and wasn’t known for her great bravery and courage.

The tale of Irena was finally discovered, when four students produced a play about Irena, called “life in a jar”.

After that many knew of Irena and her special story.

Irena became publicized  and well known.

After the paly Irena’s name was added the Righteous Gentiles.

Today Irena is one of the most known Righteous Gentiles in Poland!