The Righteous Among the Nations award is given by Yad Vashem to Gentiles who helped Jews during the Holocaust. Over 22,000 people have been honored, with Poland having the most. The committee considers the level of risk and sacrifice involved in the actions taken.
The Righteous Among the Nations are people from around the world who have been recognized by the State of Israel for their contributions to the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Over 22,000 people have been honored as Righteous Among the Nations and new commemoration cases are periodically considered. All of those honored are listed in a memorial at the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem, visitors to the site can also stroll through a garden and view numerous historical objects relating to the Holocaust.
This award is administered by Yad Vashem, the authority responsible for Holocaust remembrance in Israel. Yad Vashem was founded in 1953, with the Righteous Among the Nations award first presented in 1963. Since then, people in 44 nations have been honored as Righteous Among the Nations, with some posthumous awards. The organization issues this award to honor people who were willing to speak up when others were silent and to take action when many people became paralyzed.
To be recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations, someone must be a Gentile, and he or she must have a case that stands up to review by a committee headed by a Supreme Court justice. The committee considers the actions someone has taken, the level of risk and sacrifice involved, and the rationale for those actions. Committee members also review supporting documentation and testimony to review cases brought before them.
If the committee assesses that an unusual level of heroism and humanism has been exhibited, it awards the individual a medal with his or her name, as well as a place on the Mount of Remembrance. Righteous Among the Nations are listed in many other places as well, with many Jewish organizations keeping lists of their Righteous from their own countries. Poland has the highest number of honorees, with over 6,000 Righteous.
The people included in the Righteous Among the Nations list are incredibly diverse. They were young and old at the time of their deeds, rich and poor, religious and atheist, male and female. The people on the list come from all walks of life and educational levels, but they all share the common trait of being extremely courageous and willing to challenge the status quo to correct a situation they perceive as wrong.
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