Yitzhak Stern - personal accountant Oscar Schindler

Who is Yitzhak Stern? The name of this person is known to everyone who watched Steven Spielberg's famous film. Stern Yitzhak is an accountant with Oskar Schindler, a man who saved over a thousand Jews during World War II.

Biography

The hero of this article was born in the family of a Pole of Jewish origin. Education Yitzhak Stern received in Vienna. Before the war he worked in several companies, performing the duties of an accountant. Yitzhak Stern, like the other Jews of Krakow, was doomed to death after the occupation of Poland. But it so happened that in his life appeared a cheerful and enterprising man named Oscar Schindler.

Some historians today refute the legend of the "savior of the Jews." What did Yitzhak Stern say about this man?

Getting to know Schindler

A Polish accountant of Jewish origin met with a businessman in 1939. Schindler was not a typical German. From time to time he visited the company where Yitzhak Stern worked. He at the first meeting did not fail to point out the merchant to his nationality. In Poland in those years, every Jew had to do this by communicating with the German. Schindler's reaction was unexpected. The man who became the prototype of the protagonist of the Spielberg motion picture, replied: "Do not remind me that I'm German. I know it".

Factory

Even before the invaders organized the Jewish ghettos in Krakow, they issued a number of orders. Confiscations from now on were not subject only to personal belongings. The Jews were deprived of money and real estate. It was Stern Yitzhak who advised Schindler to acquire one of the Polish-Jewish enterprises. The German businessman became the owner of the factory for the production of enamelware. Stern Yitzhak at this enterprise took the post of chief accountant.

According to some historical data, this man never worked at a factory in Krakow. Participation in the compilation of the legendary list, he also did not take. But the fact that Stern influenced the activities of Oscar Schindler, many historians still recognize.

Stern knew exactly how to manage the enterprise. Once the owner of the plant was his brother. When the enterprise passed into the possession of Oscar Schindler, it was on the verge of bankruptcy. The reason for this was the wrong management.

Schindler and Stern spent much time in conversations. 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 a proposal was beneficial for both the merchant and 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 pronounced the phrase, which later became famous: "Saving one life - saving the whole world." This is a quote from the Talmud.

Stern Yitzhak - who is this? An accountant of a German company who, using his position, helped save the Polish Jews? Schindler in his memoirs noted Stern's fearlessness, his readiness to help his brothers. A German businessman assured that his transformation from an adventurer into a savior of thousands of human lives would be impossible without this modest Jewish accountant.

Train to Brunnlicz

In 1944 Schindler's factory was moved from Krakow. The workers of the factory were transported to the city, which is part of the modern Czech Republic. Men and women were sent on different trains.

The first arrived on time. The second one was late. It turned out that the train with the women was mistakenly sent to a concentration camp. Schindler personally went to Auschwitz. Thanks to his incredible efforts, the women were taken to Brunnlitz several days later. Only Stern's mother did not return.

This incident was, of course, not the only example of a heroic deed. Schindler rescued the Jews from trains going to their deaths. He finally made a list, which meant salvation for many Jews.

Unknown facts

Several historical works were published that rejected the good intentions of Oscar Schindler. The authors of these books claim that there was no list (there were nine such). Schindler allegedly only introduced several names to one of them. Opponents of the version about saving Jews claim that Stern never worked in the company of a German businessman. And so, the heroism of the bookkeeper is doubtful.

The wife of Schindler confirmed such assumptions. But later, in one of the interviews, she stated that the factory in Czechoslovakia really did not bring any profit. Emilia Schindler was engaged in monetary issues, and therefore had accurate information.

Anyway, I want to believe in heroism and self-sacrifice. Oscar Schindler and Yitzhak Stern, despite the controversial statements of historians, will forever remain legends.