Miep Gies passed away yesterday. I did not recognize her name, but I knew a bit of her story.
She, along with 20,000 other Dutch citizens, risked their lives and the lives of their families to hide Jews during World War 2.
Miep Gies, her sister Bep and two others, hid the Otto Frank family in a secret annex inside the factory where they worked. For two years they cared for this family and kept it secret. Two years. I am floored by the courage these people displayed. 20,000 Dutch citizens hid 20,000+ Jews from the Nazi's
They risked their own lives and their families lives to save their neighbors and countrymen.
Could I do the same?
If a neighbor came to me and said "I am being persecuted for my beliefs and if caught I will be sent to a prison where I will be burned alive, or gassed, or starved, or have and insane doctor do horrific experiments on me and my family."
What would I do?
My heart would be screaming "Take them in!!"
My head would be reeling over the horror and injustice!
But somewhere, in my head or in my heart there would be a huge and inescapable fear.
What if we are caught, then we will suffer the same fate of prison that my neighbor faces.
My heart is screaming "Take the risk, if caught we will have stood for something bigger than myself."
But the rest of my family? Can I make that decision for them? My husband could decide for himself. But what about my children? Can I put them at risk for this cause?
And yet, during World War 2, thousands of people, like you and me, were asked to do this very thing.
I'm sure these same fears and questions ran through the minds of each and everyone of those who chose to help and hide Jews during this time.
But they did it anyway.
They served their fellow man at the risk of their own freedom and lives.
To all those people who risk it all to do what they feel in their hearts is the right thing,
Thank you.
