Many people do “heroic” acts only when they believe they are being watched or will be recognized for doing their actions. This was not true of Irena. Irena’s heroics were done quietly and secretively. After the war she returned to her job as a social worker, never searching for honors or acknowledgements for her deeds. She never wrote a book or published anything to pat herself on the back for her actions. This wonderful story may have gone down in history without anyone even knowing about it if it weren’t for the Kansas students and their research project. 

 

        I believe that Irena was a really good person. Irena made me believe that not all Europeans were bad during the Holocaust. Irena was Polish and did not have to help the Jews but decided to help without anyone asking her. During the war Irena risked her life in order to save other people. How many of us would be able to do such a courageous act of kindness?