The article, “German artist saved hundreds of Jews during WWII”, by McClatchy-Tribune talks about an incredible story of a brave artist during WWII. The main idea is how multiple people combine their efforts for a German artist, Werner Klemke, who saved hundreds of Jews from the terrible reign of Nazi’s. Klemke was passionate about books, and was also an artist. Ironicly, Klemke is a German soldier who hates Nazi’s. In order to help save as many Jews as possible, he came up with an amazing plan. “...made up a story to hide his work from his Nazi superiors. He told them that he could make nice booklets of cocktail recipes for them if he could only get a small printing office set up.” He did this so when the printing office is set up, he can create “fake birth
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His work wasn’t all for nothing because, “Nationwide, fewer than 20 percent of Dutch Jews survived, but where Klemke’s documents were used, more than 50 percent lived.” The network he contributed to saved an estimate of 500 Jews, members of the underground, and British pilots. The hiding places built into walls, attics, and cellars were not discovered in the village where he lived. Klemke never told anyone what he’d done for the Jews, not even his own children until he was on his deathbed. He was a man filled with courage and determination. When asked about his rescue efforts, he responded: “What was so special about it? I only did what any man should have done.” I, too, feel this way when faced infront of numerous situations. I specifically remember standing up to a 5 foot 5, 130 pound bully back in 4th grade because they kept picking on one of my closest and dearest friends. The bully realised what they were doing was wrong and finally stopped. I thought nothing of it because I knew it was the right thing to do for my childhood friend. Thankfully enough, today we have Klemke’s story as an open book for all to read and hear
His work wasn’t all for nothing because, “Nationwide, fewer than 20 percent of Dutch Jews survived, but where Klemke’s documents were used, more than 50 percent lived.” The network he contributed to saved an estimate of 500 Jews, members of the underground, and British pilots. The hiding places built into walls, attics, and cellars were not discovered in the village where he lived. Klemke never told anyone what he’d done for the Jews, not even his own children until he was on his deathbed. He was a man filled with courage and determination. When asked about his rescue efforts, he responded: “What was so special about it? I only did what any man should have done.” I, too, feel this way when faced infront of numerous situations. I specifically remember standing up to a 5 foot 5, 130 pound bully back in 4th grade because they kept picking on one of my closest and dearest friends. The bully realised what they were doing was wrong and finally stopped. I thought nothing of it because I knew it was the right thing to do for my childhood friend. Thankfully enough, today we have Klemke’s story as an open book for all to read and hear