Are all rescuers of Jews entitled to receive the title of Righteous Among the Nations?
Rescue of Jews took many forms and required varying degrees of involvement and self-sacrifice. The title of the Righteous is reserved for the smaller group of those who actively risked their lives or their liberty for the express purpose of saving Jews from persecution and murder. There is a wider circle of men and women who assisted the persecuted in the darkest hour of Jewish history, but whose help did not involve the taking of risks. These humane people have our greatest appreciation and their deeds are being documented by us. Nevertheless, even though their aid was crucial to the Jews’ survival, in the absence of risk, they do not qualify for recognition within the framework of the Righteous program.
Related Questions
- Why is the title of Righteous awarded only to rescuers of Jews, and not to members of the resistance who fought against Nazi Germany?
- Why isn the title of Righteous awarded to people who helped the Jews or the State of Israel at other moments in Jewish history?
- Are all rescuers of Jews entitled to receive the title of Righteous Among the Nations?
