Student Question

What motivated Oskar Schindler to assist the Jews?

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Oskar Schindler was motivated to assist the Jews after witnessing the brutal treatment and murder of Jewish people by the Nazis. Initially profiting from business with the Nazis, Schindler experienced a transformative change upon observing these atrocities. This compelled him to take action against the oppressive system and help those targeted. Schindler's commitment stemmed from his desire to rectify the imbalance and injustice he saw, despite not being an overt humanitarian initially.

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I think that Schindler's characterization becomes interesting precisely because he is not an overarching humanitarian.  He does business with the Nazis and makes plenty of profit.  Yet, it is bearing witness to what is done to those of Jewish descent that makes him feel that he must take action.  Schindler's motivations are not entirely evident or stated.  However, seeing the wanton murder of men, women, and children causes a significant change in him, compelling him to do something, anything to help those who were oppressed:

Beyond this day...no thinking person could fail to see what would happen. I was now resolved to do everything in my power to defeat the system.

It is this element, the idea of bearing witness, that makes Schindler become an individual who becomes committed to helping those who are targetted by the Nazis.  Schindler's evolution is a direct product of seeing what was being done...

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to those who were powerless.  Schindler sought to rectify this imbalance.

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