Twelve Germans who had risked their lives to save Jews during World War II were honored last week in Berlin by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Israel.
As a token of the Jewish people’s gratefulness, the 12 Germans were named Righteous Gentiles. Avi Primor, Israel’s ambassador in Germany, granted the awards on behalf of Yad Vashem.
Ten members of group – the largest to be recognized at one time in Germany – were named posthumously.
Their names will be engraved on the memorial wall of Yad Vashem.
In Germany during the war, these people gave shelter to Jews. Many offered their homes and businesses as hideouts and provided food and medical aid. They also helped others in their flight to freedom, even though they put themselves in danger by doing so.
The mayor of Berlin attended the awards ceremony.
About 11,300 individuals have been named Righteous Gentiles. Fully 300 of them have been Germans.
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