Otwock's Jewish History

There is a lot to say about Otwock, Poland's Jewish history. Not only is it the location of many horrors during WWII, but it is also the home of some of the most inspiring stories of WWII. With such rich Jewish history, Otwock, Poland is remembered by many, not only Jews, for its part in WWII.

Jewish history

Following the invasion of Poland by Hitler's forces, many Jews were forced into hiding, but many other Jews were captured and tortured. It was during this time that ghettos for Jews were established in Otwock to hold them for the Action T4 Program that led to the euthanizing and torture of many Jews during WWII. Thousands of Jews died as a result of this, in addition to those who were just shot in pure acts of anti-Semitic violence. Those who were not killed, but captured, were sent to other concentration camps in Auschwitz and Treblinka.

It was in Otwock, Poland that Krystyna Dańko was able to save the Kokoszvo family from persecution. Additionally, Otwock was also the location of humanitarian Irene Sendler and her heroic displays that saved countless numbers of Jewish children as a result of her quick thinking and caring nature.

Otwock is associated with both special and horrendous occurrences in Jewish history. It is the location of numerous deaths, but it is also the location of the salvation of numerous Jewish children. Regardless of the perception, it is evident that this city can continue to hold its place as an important city in Jewish history.