Schindler shows compassion for those in need from "summary" of Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
Oskar Schindler was a man known for his shrewd business acumen and his knack for exploiting opportunities for personal gain. However, as the dark clouds of war gathered over Europe and the horrors of the Holocaust unfolded before his eyes, Schindler's moral compass began to shift. He witnessed the brutality and inhumanity of the Nazi regime, and instead of turning a blind eye, he chose to act.
Schindler's transformation began gradually, as he started to show kindness and compassion towards the Jewish workers in his factory. He went out of his way to provide them with better working conditions, more food, and protection from the SS. Despite the risks involved, Schindler used his influence and connections to save as many lives as he could, often at great personal cost.
One of the most poignant examples of Schindler's compassion is seen in his efforts to rescue the women from the Plaszow labor camp. When he learned that they were being sent to Auschwitz, a death camp where their chances of survival were slim to none, Schindler intervened. Through bribery and negotiation, he managed to have them transferred to his factory in Brunnlitz, where they were spared from the gas chambers and given a chance to live.
Schindler's actions were not driven by self-interest or a desire for recognition. He did not seek praise or accolades for his deeds; in fact, he often downplayed his role in saving lives. Instead, his compassion was born out of a deep sense of empathy and humanity. He saw the suffering of others and felt compelled to alleviate it, regardless of the personal sacrifices he had to make.
In the end, Schindler's list of names grew longer and longer, as he continued to add more and more people to his "safe list". Each name represented a life saved, a person rescued from the jaws of death. Schindler's compassion knew no bounds, and his legacy as a righteous gentile who stood up against injustice will forever be remembered.
Schindler's story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that one person can make in the face of overwhelming evil. His actions inspire us to confront cruelty and indifference with courage and compassion, to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Schindler's example challenges us to ask ourselves: What would we do in his place?
