The holocaust is arguably the most infamous genocide in all of human history. In his radical attempt to exterminate all Jews and create a “master race,” Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany was responsible for killing more than six million Jews, and an estimated total of 11 million people over the course of 12 years.
Hitler’s reign coincided with WWII, which ultimately led to the story of a British hero, Sir Nicholas Winton.
During WWII, Winton took it upon himself to save Jewish children from Nazi-occupied countries.
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He secretly arranged the safe passage of 669 children to his homeland of England. When they arrived, on eight different trains, Winton ensured that each child was taken in by various British families.
His entire operation took careful planning, as he knew he’d be killed if he was ever caught. Winton kept it so much of a secret that his wife, Grete, didn’t even know about his heroic acts until 50 years later!
She’d found a scrapbook in their attic with the list of every child inside.
After learning of his rescues, a BBC television program was set to feature Winton’s story world-wide.
Grete secretly invited every single child on the list, requesting their attendance at the program. She received more than 200 responses—many of which agreed to come.
The 1988 reunion was captured on film, as the woman sharing Winton’s stories from stage reveals that the woman sitting directly beside him is one of the many children he saved.
She then goes on to say, “If anyone else in the room owes their life to Nicholas Winton, please stand up.”
The entire audience stands to their feet, and with tears in his eyes, Winton realizes that every person around him is alive today because of his bravery and boldness.
It’s one of those incredible moments that’ll leave you with goosebumps.
Nicholas Winton died in 2015, at the age of 106. He lived a long life serving others, and he will go down in history as one of the greatest heroes of all time.
