1.2 million Jewish children, tens of thousands of Gypsy children, along with thousands of handicapped children perished. Between 7 million and 11 million deaths. Two in three European Jews murdered. No funeral, no mercy, no respect. Bodies thrown away as if they were garbage. Over 100 ghettos. Approximately 40,000 concentration camps filled with disease and the forsaking aroma of burning flesh 24 hours, seven days a week. The catastrophe, the horror… the Holocaust. Merely thousands liberated. The only bit light in the clouded souls of the prisoners were the resistance efforts. One was Irena Sendler, who is considered a notable savior in that she did everything in her power to save the children, risked her life for others, and did not think …show more content…
Astounded by this new, Irena Sendler joined a council for “Aid to Jews” named Żegota organized by the Polish underground resistance movement. “...which operated under the Polish government in Exile. Non-Jews and Jews cooperated together uniting people from many different political backgrounds” (“Sendler’s List”, par 10). The organization of 30 members made efforts to rescue Jewish children; directed by …show more content…
On the 20th of October 1943, Irena Sendler was taken to Pawiak where she was arrested and imprisoned by the Gestapo for liberating and hiding the children. Although they broke her hands and feet, Irena never revealed anything about the children. “She was the only one who knew the names and addresses of the families sheltering the Jewish children, she stood strong through torture, refusing to betray her associates or any of the children,” (“An Unsung Heroine”, par 12). Before being sentenced to death, the Żegota members rescued her in February of 1944. Authorities kept an eye on Sendler however she continued her underground activities. Due to the Nazis confrontation, Irena later went into