What Happened to Schindler After the War Ended?
Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party, is best known for saving the lives of approximately 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. After the war, Schindler’s life took a dramatic turn, marked by both triumph and tragedy.
Immediate Aftermath
In May 1945, as Allied forces were closing in on Germany, Schindler abandoned his factory in Brunnlitz (now Brněnec) and fled to Austria. He later returned to Germany, where he was arrested by American forces in November 1945. Schindler was initially detained as a potential war criminal, but he was eventually released due to a lack of evidence and the efforts of Itzhak Stern, one of the Jewish workers he had saved.
Post-War Life
After his release, Schindler returned to Germany, where he struggled to rebuild his life. He faced financial difficulties, and his reputation was tarnished by his association with the Nazi Party. Schindler’s factory in Brunnlitz was seized by the Czech government, and he was forced to start anew.
Emigration to Argentina
In 1949, Schindler emigrated to Argentina, where he hoped to start a new life. He initially settled in Buenos Aires, where he worked as a salesman and attempted to rebuild his business. However, he struggled to adjust to his new surroundings and faced anti-Semitic sentiment in the country.
Later Life and Legacy
In the 1950s, Schindler’s health began to decline, and he suffered from diabetes and heart problems. Despite his struggles, he continued to advocate for the rights of Jews and to promote tolerance and understanding.
Death and Burial
Oskar Schindler passed away on October 9, 1958, at the age of 66, in Hildesheim, Germany. He was buried in the Catholic cemetery in Jerusalem, at the request of the Jewish survivors he had saved. The ceremony was attended by many of the Jews whose lives he had saved, as well as Israeli officials and dignitaries.
Legacy and Recognition
Schindler’s legacy has been cemented through the 1982 film "Schindler’s List", directed by Steven Spielberg, which tells the story of his heroism during the Holocaust. The film won seven Academy Awards and has become a powerful symbol of the importance of human kindness and compassion.
Honors and Awards
Schindler has been honored and recognized in numerous ways, including:
- Righteous Among the Nations, an honor bestowed by the State of Israel on non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
- Order of the British Empire, awarded by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983 for his humanitarian work.
- United States Congressional Gold Medal, awarded in 1983 for his heroism during the Holocaust.
Conclusion
Oskar Schindler’s life after the war was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Despite facing financial difficulties and struggling to rebuild his life, he continued to advocate for the rights of Jews and to promote tolerance and understanding. His legacy has been cemented through the film "Schindler’s List" and numerous honors and awards. Today, Schindler is remembered as a hero who risked his life to save the lives of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust.
Timeline of Schindler’s Life After the War
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1945 | Arrested by American forces in November |
| 1946 | Released due to lack of evidence |
| 1949 | Emigrated to Argentina |
| 1950s | Struggled to adjust to new surroundings and faced anti-Semitic sentiment |
| 1958 | Passed away on October 9th |
| 1982 | Film "Schindler’s List" released |
| 1983 | Awarded Righteous Among the Nations, Order of the British Empire, and United States Congressional Gold Medal |
Bibliography
- "Schindler’s Ark" by Thomas Keneally (1982)
- "Schindler’s List" by Steven Spielberg (1982)
- "Oskar Schindler: The Untold Story" by David Crowe (2007)
- "Schindler: The Man and the Movie" by David H. Kranzler (2009)
