Righteous Among the Nations facts for kids
The Righteous Among the Nations is a very special award given by the country of Israel. It honors people who bravely helped Jewish men, women, and children survive a terrible time in history called the Holocaust. During the Holocaust, millions of Jewish people were persecuted and killed. The Righteous Among the Nations are heroes who risked their own lives to save others. Famous people like Oskar Schindler and Corrie ten Boom received this award for their amazing courage. The main place where these heroes are remembered is the Yad Vashem museum in Jerusalem.
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What is the Holocaust?
The Holocaust was a terrible event that happened during World War II (from 1939 to 1945). A group called the Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, tried to kill all the Jewish people in Europe. They also targeted other groups. Millions of innocent people were killed in a very cruel way. It was a very dark time in history.
Why is This Award Given?
The award "Righteous Among the Nations" is given to remember the brave people who stood up against this evil. These heroes were not Jewish themselves, but they chose to help Jewish people. They did this even though it was very dangerous for them and their families. If the Nazis found out they were helping Jews, they could be arrested or even killed. This award shows the world that even in the darkest times, there was kindness and courage. It reminds us that good people can make a difference.
Who Receives This Honor?
To receive the Righteous Among the Nations award, a person must meet certain rules:
- They must have been a non-Jewish person.
- They must have risked their own life to save Jewish people from being killed by the Nazis.
- They must have done this without asking for money or any other reward. They helped simply because it was the right thing to do.
Each person who gets the award receives a special medal and a certificate. Their name is also added to a Wall of Honor at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. They are remembered forever for their bravery.
How Are Heroes Found?
The Yad Vashem museum carefully checks every story of someone who might be a Righteous Among the Nations. They look at documents, talk to survivors, and gather proof. This makes sure that only true heroes who fit the rules receive this important honor. Many of the people honored are from Poland, the Netherlands, France, and Ukraine, but they come from many different countries.
Remembering Their Courage
The Righteous Among the Nations are an important reminder that we should always stand up for what is right. Their stories teach us about bravery, kindness, and helping others, even when it is hard. The Yad Vashem museum helps keep their memory alive so that future generations can learn from their amazing actions.
Images for kids
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Memorial tree in Jerusalem, Israel honoring Irena Sendler, a Polish Roman Catholic nurse who saved 2,500 Jews
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Obverse (left) and reverse (right) of the Righteous Medal
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The Righteous Diploma of Maria Kotarba
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A Righteous Among the Nations award ceremony in the Polish Senate, 2012
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1940 issued visa by Consul Chiune Sugihara in Lithuania
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Polish passport extended in 1941 by Righteous Among the Nations Chilean diplomat Samuel del Campo
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University study booklet issued to Polish Righteous Among the Nations Wladyslaw Smolski in 1938
See also
In Spanish: Justos entre las Naciones para niños
