Day 12: Antisemitism and Redemption

July 25, 2019

Day 12: Antisemitism and Redemption

Can someone who was antisemitic and opportunistic toward Jews, be transformed into a rescuer and recognized as a Righteous Gentile? Yes, there is redemption. There are examples of this from St. Maximilian Kolbe to Oskar Schindler.

“He who saves one life saves the world entire.” ~ The Talmud

Today we visited Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory that houses the exhibition “Krakow Under Nazi Occupation.” In 45 rooms it tells the dreadful fate of its Polish and Jewish residents.

We then visited the Wieliczka Salt Mine. We took 810 steps down into a small city, art galleries, and house of worship all completely carved out of salt! Amazing!!

It’s interesting that I saw Schindler’s Museum and the Salt Mine in the same day. Salt has always played a significant role in ancient history and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible - Old and New Testament. I’m always moved by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount where he calls his disciples to be “the salt of the earth” and “a light of the world.” I think people like Kolbe and Schindler redeemed their original faults by choosing in the end to be salt and light to the Jews.

Finally, we had our farewell dinner; hearts were shared, and tears were shed. My heart is so full.

I will miss you Lithuania and Poland. Thank you for a life transforming and unforgettable journey.

The empty chairs represent the absence of Jewish life.

Krakow Museum

Do you remember the scene where the young woman visits Schindler to see if he can get her parents into his factory? Initially he doesn’t meet with her because he wasn’t impressed with her looks. Realizing she was dealing with a womanizer, she returned all dolled up and he finally met her. This is where that scene was taken.