Warsaw. World War II. The Nazis locked up the Jews in the ghetto. Everyone knew it meant that they would slowly die.

Irena Sendler would not let it happen. She became a member of Żegota, a group created to help Jews or risk their lives trying.

She was able to sneak in. She possessed documents of authority. There was a disease check cover story. The Nazis believed. Within, she encountered parents who knew the truth. If their kids stayed behind, they would die. If they left, there was a chance. She promised to shield them.

She stole children away secretly in ambulances. In toolboxes. In coffins. Each journey was fraught with risk. One mistake and it was all over.

She made lists. Real names. New names. They were scribbled on tiny scraps of paper and stored in jars beneath an apple tree. One day, she would be reunited with them.

The Nazis seized her. They tortured her. She never spoke.

When the war ended more than 2,500 children were alive because she would not break.

Sometimes survival is up to someone who will not cooperate.


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