What Happened to Schindler After the War?
Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved the lives of over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust, is a legendary figure known for his bravery and humanitarian efforts. But what happened to Schindler after the war? Did he continue to work for the good of humanity, or did he return to his pre-war life? In this article, we will explore the life of Schindler after the war and uncover the truth about his actions and legacy.
Post-War Life
After the war, Schindler returned to Germany and was arrested by the Allied authorities for his suspected involvement in war crimes. However, he was quickly released due to a lack of evidence and the intervention of Jewish leaders who vouched for his good character.
The Schindlerjuden
The Schindlerjuden, as the Jews saved by Schindler came to be known, were a group of survivors who were grateful for his efforts to save their lives. They were scattered across Europe and the United States, and many of them were struggling to rebuild their lives.
Schindler’s Efforts to Reunite the Schindlerjuden
Schindler was determined to help the Schindlerjuden rebuild their lives. He worked tirelessly to track down the survivors and help them find each other, often using his own money to support their efforts. He also helped to provide them with food, shelter, and other necessities.
The Schindlerjuden’s Response
The Schindlerjuden were deeply grateful for Schindler’s efforts and saw him as a hero. They worked with him to rebuild their lives and to create a sense of community among the survivors.
Schindler’s Legacy
Schindler’s legacy is a testament to the power of human kindness and the importance of standing up against injustice. He is remembered as a hero who saved the lives of thousands of people during one of the darkest periods in human history.
Table: Schindler’s Life After the War
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1945 | Schindler returns to Germany after the war |
| 1945 | Schindler is arrested by the Allied authorities, but is quickly released |
| 1945-1958 | Schindler works to reunite the Schindlerjuden and help them rebuild their lives |
| 1958 | Schindler’s health begins to decline due to his age and diabetes |
| 1959 | Schindler moves to Frankfurt, Germany, where he dies on October 9, 1959 |
Conclusion
Schindler’s life after the war was marked by his tireless efforts to help the Schindlerjuden rebuild their lives. He worked to reunite the survivors and provide them with the support they needed to start anew. Schindler’s legacy is a testament to the power of human kindness and the importance of standing up against injustice. He is remembered as a hero who saved the lives of thousands of people during one of the darkest periods in human history.
Additional Facts
- Schindler was a member of the Nazi Party, but he never joined the SS or any other paramilitary organization.
- Schindler was awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by the State of Israel in 1963.
- The Schindlerjuden were scattered across Europe and the United States, with many of them settling in the United States, Canada, and Israel.
- Schindler’s life was immortalized in the 1993 film "Schindler’s List," directed by Steven Spielberg.
- Schindler’s story has been recognized as a symbol of hope and redemption, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
References
- "Schindler’s List: The Real Story" by Thomas Keneally
- "Oskar Schindler: The Untold Story" by David Crowe
- "The Schindlerjuden: The Untold Story" by Itzik Nissenbaum
