The History Hour
Female heroes of WW2 and the Iranian Revolution
Nov 9, 2024
Irena Sendler, a Polish war hero who bravely saved thousands of Jewish children during WWII, speaks about her harrowing experiences. Sally Quinn shares her firsthand accounts of the Shah's extravagant 1971 celebration, shedding light on the disconnect between luxury and rising dissent. Former Empress Farah Pahlavi and social scientist Rouhi Shafi reflect on their exiles from Iran following the Islamic Revolution, revealing personal stories of loss and resilience. Together, they highlight the courage of women in times of crisis.
51:17
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Quick takeaways
- Irena Sendler's courageous actions in saving Jewish children during WWII exemplify the often overlooked bravery of women in wartime.
- The extravagant 1971 celebration by the Shah of Iran starkly illustrated the regime's disconnect from the populace, fueling revolutionary sentiments.
Deep dives
Irina Sendler's Heroic Actions
Irina Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker, played a crucial role in rescuing Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Working with Żegota, an underground organization, she used her access as a social worker to smuggle in food and medicine while also leading efforts to save children, employing various methods such as hiding them in suitcases, potato sacks, and even coffins. Irina faced constant danger, including a death sentence when captured by the Gestapo, yet she never revealed the names of the children she saved. Her remarkable efforts led to the successful rescue of approximately 2,500 Jewish children, all documented in a coded list that she buried in her garden to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
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