RIGHTEOUS AMONG THE NATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Righteous Among the Nations is a formal title bestowed upon individuals by the State of Israel. The term refers to non-Jews who demonstrated exceptional bravery and moral courage during the Holocaust by risking their own lives to save Jews from persecution, deportation, and extermination by the Nazis and their collaborators.
The title "Righteous Among the Nations" recognizes and honors those who exemplified the highest moral principles and acted in accordance with their conscience to protect and preserve Jewish lives. These individuals, often ordinary citizens, displayed extraordinary compassion, selflessness, and humanitarianism in the face of immense danger and extreme persecution. Their actions demonstrated a commitment to justice and human rights, rejecting the prevailing prejudice and hatred of the time.
Being recognized as Righteous Among the Nations is a significant honor, and it fosters remembrance and appreciation of the courageous individuals who took a stand against the atrocities of the Holocaust. They serve as an enduring testament to the power of individual goodness and the strength of human compassion in the face of unimaginable evil.
The title is granted based on an evaluation and application process overseen by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem. Nominees must meet strict criteria and be supported by testimonies, evidence, and meticulous documentation. Their actions are thoroughly examined to ensure their significant contribution to saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
