Who is Itzhak Stern? The name of this man is known to everyone who watched the famous film by Steven Spielberg. Stern Itzhak is the accountant of Oskar Schindler, the man who saved over a thousand Jews during World War II.
Biography
The hero of this article was born in a Pole family of Jewish origin. Itzhak Stern was educated in Vienna. Before the war, he worked in several companies, performing the duties of an accountant. Yitzhak Stern, like other Jews of Krakow, was doomed to death after the occupation of Poland. But it so happened that a cheerful and enterprising man named Oskar Schindler appeared in his life.
Some historians today refute the legend of the "savior of the Jews". What did Yitzhak Stern say about this man?
Meet Schindler
A Polish accountant of Jewish origin met a businessman in 1939. Schindler was not a typical German. From time to time he visited the enterprise where Yitzhak Stern worked. At the first meeting, he did not fail to point out to the merchant his nationality. In Poland in those years, every Jew was obliged to do this by communicating with a German. Schindler's reaction was unexpected. The man who became the prototype of the protagonist of the Spielberg film replied: “You don’t need to remind me that I am German. I know it.”
Factory
Even before the occupiers organized Jewish ghettos in Krakow, they made a number of decisions. From now on, only personal belongings were not subject to confiscation. Jews were deprived of money and property. It was Stern Itzhak who recommended Schindler to acquire one of the Polish-Jewish enterprises. A German businessman became the owner of a plant for the production of enamelware. Stern Itzhak at this enterprise took the position of chief accountant.
According to some historical data, this man never worked in a factory in Krakow. He also did not take part in the compilation of the legendary list. But the fact that Stern influenced the activities of Oskar Schindler is still recognized by many historians.
Stern knew exactly how to run an enterprise. Once the owner of the plant was his brother. When the company passed into the possession of Oskar Schindler, it was on the verge of bankruptcy. The reason for this was mismanagement.
Schindler and Stern spent a lot of time in conversation. They discussed the affairs of the firm, ways to avoid ruin. The accountant advised Schindler to use Jewish labor. After all, it is cheaper than Polish. Such an offer was beneficial both for the merchant and for the Jewish population of Krakow.
Heroism
Schindler discussed with Stern not only business issues. Sometimes they had long philosophical conversations. During one of them, the accountant uttered a phrase that later became famous: “Saving one life saves the whole world.” This is a quote from the Talmud.
Stern Itzhak - who is this? An accountant of a German company who, using his position, contributed to the rescue of Polish Jews? Schindler noted in his memoirs Stern's fearlessness, his willingness to help his brothers. The German businessman assured that his transformation from an adventurer into a savior of thousands of human lives would not have been possible without this humble Jewish accountant.
Train to Brunnlitz
In 1944 Schindler's factory was moved from Krakow. Factory workers were transported to the city, which is part of the modern Czech Republic. Men and women were sent on separate trains.
The first one arrived on time. The second one was late. It turned out that the train with women was mistakenly sent to a concentration camp. Schindler personally went to Auschwitz. Thanks to his incredible efforts, the women were brought to Brunnlitz a few days later. Only Stern's mother did not return.
This case was certainly not the only example of a heroic deed. Schindler rescued Jews from trains going to their deaths. He finally made a list that meant salvation for many Jews.
Untold Facts
Several historical works were published that rejected the good intentions of Oskar Schindler. The authors of such books claim that he did not make any list (and there were nine of them). Schindler allegedly only added a few names to one of them. Opponents of the version aboutRescue Jews claim that Stern never worked for a German businessman's company. And therefore, the heroism of the accountant is doubtful.
Schindler's wife confirmed these assumptions. But later, in an interview, she said that the factory in Czechoslovakia did not really bring any profit. Emilia Schindler de alt with money matters, and therefore had accurate information.
One way or another, I want to believe in heroism and self-sacrifice. Oskar Schindler and Itzhak Stern, despite the contradictory statements of historians, will forever remain legends.
