Oskar Schindler: War Profiteer, Traitor… and Europe’s Greatest Humanitarian

Summary

This transcript recounts the extraordinary life of Oskar Schindler during World War II, detailing his transformation from a businessman to a savior of over 1,000 Jewish lives. Faced with the imminent threat of Auschwitz, Schindler navigated complex moral and logistical challenges to secure the release of his workers. His financial sacrifices and clever strategies to undermine the Nazi war effort highlight his evolving conscience. Despite post-war struggles and financial ruin, Schindler's legacy endures, exemplifying the profound impact one individual can have against tyranny. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the moral choices that can alter the course of history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oskar Schindler faced a critical decision as the Soviet Army approached and Plaszow was to be decommissioned, threatening the lives of his Jewish workers.
• 😀 Schindler's desperate actions to relocate his factory to Brünnlitz highlight his commitment to saving his employees from Auschwitz.
• 😀 The real 'Schindler's List' was written by Marcel Goldberg, as Schindler was imprisoned during the process, complicating the narrative of heroism.
• 😀 Goldberg's motivations for who to include on the list are debated, showing the complexities of moral choices during the Holocaust.
• 😀 Schindler's efforts included significant personal financial sacrifice, as he spent nearly his entire fortune on bribes and supplies for his workers.
• 😀 Despite the horrors of war, Schindler managed to shield over 1,000 Jews, undermining the Nazi war effort by producing faulty armaments.
• 😀 After the war, Schindler faced poverty and personal struggles, contrasting with the lives of many actual Nazi criminals who found refuge.
• 😀 The support Schindler received from the 'Schindlerjuden' reflects the lasting gratitude of those he saved.
• 😀 Schindler was recognized posthumously as a righteous gentile, exemplifying the impact of individual courage against systemic evil.
• 😀 His legacy endures through the descendants of those he saved, emphasizing the profound effect of one person's actions during a dark historical period.

Q & A

What was Oskar Schindler's initial reaction to the news about Plaszow?

Schindler went into panic mode upon hearing that Plaszow was to be decommissioned and its inhabitants sent to Auschwitz.

How did Schindler manage to relocate his factory?

Schindler loudly petitioned for his factory to be relocated to Brünnlitz, arguing that he was doing essential work for the war effort, which eventually led Amon Göth to authorize the transfer.

Who actually wrote Schindler's list of workers to save?

The list was prepared by Marcel Goldberg, as Schindler was arrested and unable to compile it himself.

What complications arose during the submission of Schindler's list?

After the list was submitted, the SS mistakenly sent women workers to Auschwitz instead of Brünnlitz, which required Schindler to arrange for their rescue from the death camp.

What were the financial implications for Schindler after the war?

After the war, Schindler spent nearly his entire fortune on bribes and the relocation of his factory, leading to financial misery for the rest of his life.

How did Schindler's life change after the war ended?

He struggled financially, was forced to declare bankruptcy, and eventually returned to West Germany where he lived in poverty.

What support did Schindler receive in his later years?

He received donations from the 1,098 Jews he saved, known as the Schindlerjuden, which helped keep him alive.

What is the significance of Schindler's name in history?

Schindler's actions during the Holocaust have been recognized as heroic, and he was posthumously honored by being added to the Avenue of the Righteous in Israel.

How many descendants are estimated to be alive today because of Schindler's actions?

It is estimated that there are over 8,500 people alive today who are descendants of the Jews Schindler saved.

What does Schindler's story illustrate about human morality during crises?

Schindler's story demonstrates that individuals can rise to the occasion and perform extraordinary acts of kindness, even when they initially appear amoral or indifferent.