The Holocaust is not only a story of destruction and loss; it is a story of an apathetic world and a few rare individuals of extraordinary courage. Despite the indifference of many and outright collaboration of others in the murder of Jews, thousands of individuals, both Jewish and non-Jewish, took a stand against the persecution and killing of innocent people. Throughout Europe, many of those targeted by the Nazis also took action to resist oppression and genocide. In remembering those who took a determined stand against Nazism, we honor the memory of those who perished, and we are reminded that individuals do have the power, and choice, to make a difference in the fight against oppression and murderous hatred.
David (Dudi) Bergman
Describes rescue by inmates before he could be taken to the Dachau crematorium
[1990 interview]
Play video »
Tina Strobos
Describes courier duties for the underground in the Netherlands
[1992 interview]
Play video »
This autograph book belonged to Elizabeth Kaufmann Koenig, a Jewish girl from Austria who fled to southern France. Elizabeth eventually reached Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, whose population sheltered thousands of Jews. Elizabeth helped care for children sheltered by the town's pastor, Andre Trocme, and his wife, Magda. In November 1941, on the eve of her departure for the United States, Elizabeth collected signatures from her friends in a children's home in Le Chambon. The messages include artwork by some of the children and an entry by Magda Trocme. Elizabeth's family escaped from France on one of the last passenger ships to cross the Atlantic during the war.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collections
Irena Sendlerowa,
a member of Zegota, an underground organization of Poles and Jews that coordinated efforts to save Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland.
See photographs »
Joop Westerweel,
schoolteacher executed by the Nazis for helping Jews escape from the Netherlands.
See photographs »