Honoring the Courageous Rescuers Who Saved Jewish Lives During the Holocaust

On March 4, 2025, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, commonly known as the Claims Conference, will commemorate the European Day of Remembrance for the Righteous with a poignant event recognizing the acts of bravery exhibited by Righteous Rescuers during the Holocaust. This event, set to unfold in Limoges, France, will feature the launch of a remarkable publication titled "Stronger Than Fear," which collects profiles of these extraordinary non-Jews who risked their lives to protect Jewish families from Nazi persecution.

Among the remarkable profiles featured in the publication are stories from nine countries, showcasing the incredible lengths to which these individuals went to safeguard Jewish lives. Rights holders, alongside Holocaust survivors and their descendants, will share their experiences and reflect on the lasting impact of these brave actions. Notably, the gathering will include Dr. Sophia Joachims and her brother Mark Schonwetter, both of whom owe their survival during the Holocaust to the compassion of a Righteous Rescuer family.

Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference, emphasized the significance of the publication, stating, "During the Shoah, thousands of individuals across Europe risked their own lives to save Jews from the Nazis. Only about 150 of those Righteous Rescuers remain with us today, and it is essential to honor their legacy and sacrifices."

The event aims not only to acknowledge the heroes of the past but also to educate future generations about the importance of courage and empathy. Rüdiger Mahlo, a representative from the Claims Conference in Europe, stressed the vital role these stories play in Holocaust education. By sharing the choices made by Righteous Rescuers, we foster understanding and compassion among young people today, helping them navigate their moral choices in the future.

Highlighted in the publication are accounts from individuals like Bronislawa Bakun, who rescued over a dozen Jews from certain death, and Pierre-Michel Kahn, a Holocaust survivor who recalls the selflessness of Righteous Rescuer Louise Blazer. Their narratives powerfully illustrate the human capacity for empathy, often at great personal risk.

In preparation for the event, survivors and their rescuers will reunite, creating a unique atmosphere of gratitude, remembrance, and historical significance. Among those attending will be various Holocaust survivors and their guardians who ensured their safety, embodying the theme of family transcending the darkest hours of history.

The collection "Stronger Than Fear" contains 36 profiles of Righteous Rescuers, revealing the expansive legacy of courage that has illuminated our history. Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, noted that the publication serves as a testament to both the brave individuals who saved lives and the impact their choices have had in shaping the world.

As we remember these remarkable acts of human kindness and bravery, it's crucial to continue integrating stories of the Righteous into educational curricula worldwide. By doing so, we not only honor their memory but also challenge future generations to reflect on their own choices in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, the documentation of these stories remains vital, as there are limited survivors from that era. The Claims Conference has long been committed to preserving these narratives through various initiatives, including financial support and educational programs aimed at fostering awareness.

Digital copies of "Stronger Than Fear" will be available on the Claims Conference website throughout 2025, allowing a wider audience to learn about these brave individuals. Indeed, the resilience and humanity displayed by these Righteous Rescuers serve as a timeless reminder of the power of compassion in overcoming fear during humanity's bleakest moments.