Born in 1910 in Warsaw, Irena's father was a doctor who did his best to help the Jewish community, showing his daughter the value of kindness to other fellow human beings. After finishing her schooling, Irena was employed in legal counselling and a social help clinic --- she was concerned about the unmarried mothers and the very poor within the community.
When Germany was invaded, the Jewish community were immediately persecuted but Irena felt she was in a position to help, creating 'false references' and finding ways to help the Jews. In 1940, the Nazi crowded thousands of Jews into the "Warsaw Ghetto" and no one was allowed to help them. Irena and a few of her 'friends' gained access (they had special permits) to go into the Ghetto to check for signs of typhus and sanitary inspections. This way, they were able to 'secretly' provide medicines and cleaning items, as well as food, clothing and other necessities.
During their visits, these courageous 'friends' smuggled young children out of the Ghetto, saving them from the gas chambers. Some of the children were smuggled out in gunnysacks, a young baby was smuggled out in a tool box and some children went through one door into the chapel and out another door to safety.
Irena and her 'friends' showed no fear --- if they had been caught, they and their whole families would have been shot.
Irena tried to keep records of the children's real names in the hope of re-uniting them with their real families after the war, and these records she kept in jars, buried in the garden under an apple tree --- they were never found by the nazi.
This brave woman was caught and tortured (they broke her legs and feet) but the Nazi could not break Irena's spirit. She managed to escape and worked as a nurse, still helping the Jewish community as best she could. Irena had to change her name in order to protect herself.
Irena died in 2008 and she was 98 years of age. Before her death, she was recognized as one of the "Polish Righteous Among The Jews" when her courage came to the fore after the war finished.
A story surely to Inspire anyone, click on the links "Irena Sendler" and enjoy reading the whole story of this brave young woman's courage during World War Two.
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