Schindler's Legacy

Though Schindler died at the age of 66 in Germany in 1974, that wasn't the end of his legacy. He should be remembered for many years to come because of the 1,200 lives that he saved, the hope he brought to the persecuted, and his imperfect character.

As Schindler left Brunnlitz, the Schindlerjuden gave him a ring with the words, "He, who saves one life, saves the world entire." This emphasizes how valuable human lives are, and how important it is to save them. "Thanks to Oskar Schindler, more than 6,000 Holocaust survivors and their descendents were alive in the 1990's to tell the remarkable story of 'Schindler's List'."(source:notablebiographies.com)

When Schindler brought hope to the Jews, he was doing much more than simply "being nice." Primo Levi said, "I believe that it was really due to Lorenzo (someone who suuported Levi during his persecution in the Holocaust) that I am alive today; and not so much for his material aid, as...his presence." This quote shows how essential it is to be not only physically alive but emotionally cared for. Schindler's protection inspired those coming to his factory and gave many a reason to live.

Lastly and perhaps the most important was Schindler's flawed moral character. His faults make him more like the average person and make his example easier to follow than an example laid by a Saint or an infalible and glorified hero.

Leaving an attainable example is possibly more valuable than any of Schindler's wartime activities on their own. Having an example of what we can accomplish and how to do it will motovate others who may tragically find themselves in a similar situation. History is taught in schools so that students can know what happened and not only prevent the mistakes of others, but repeat the good deeds of others.

Not only does this leave us an example, but it leaves us a challenge. By giving us the tools to do as great deeds as he did, Schindler challanges each one of us to rise to the occaision. "Every situation is and opportunity, every opportunity a
choice - what will you choose?" (Carl Wilkins).

Besides, "when faced with Schindler's charecter flaws after the war, many would explain that it was these charecter flaws that made him so effective during the Holocaust." (source: Oskar Schindler: the Untold Account of His Life, Wartime Activities and the True Story)

Schindler (second to the right) and (sixth from the left) with Schindlerjuden