Irena Sendler

Irena Sendler is one of the best known Polish Righteous Among the Nations. She was granted this title for her honourable deeds during World War II – active in the underground and in the “Żegota” Council to Aid Jews, Irena Sendler was a mastermind behind the action to rescue Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. Together with a group of female associates she managed to save the lives of several hundred children. To find out more, read her biography.


The virtual exhibition on Google Arts & Culture (2020)

To mark Irena Sendler’s 110th birthday, POLIN Museum, together with Google Arts & Culture, honour her life.

Irena Sendler’s biography

“I was raised to believe that the question of religion, nation, belonging to any race is of no importance – it’s a human being that matters!”, Irena Sendler wrote.

Irena Sendler’s Network of Associates

Irena Sendler’s activities were made possible by the co-operation of many people. Amongst her closest colleagues were her friends from the Warsaw Department of Social Welfare and Public Health.

Irena Sendler’s activity in “Żegota”

In October 1943, Irena Sendler became head of the Children’s Department of “Żegota”. The Department looked after ninety-nine children, including those kept in convents and care facilities.

Irena Sendler’s Children

Today, it is difficult to determine the number of children who survived thanks to the help provided by Irena Sendler and her colleagues. After the War, many of these survivors remained in close contact with her.

Irena Sendler memorabilia

Irena Sendler memorabilia form part of the collection of POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Among items in the collection are Order of the White Eagle, Righteous Among the Nations medal and others.

Remembering Irena Sendler

Irena Sendler is honoured in many forms – streets, squares, schools as well as awards carry her name. She is depicted on murals, coins and postage stamps. There is even a variety of tulip named after her.

Sources on Irena Sendler

Selected publication sources, books, press articles, as well as documentary and drama films concerning the life and activities of Irena Sendler.

Irena Sendler's Year (2018)

POLIN Museum held many educational, exhibition and online activities dedicated to Irena Sendler's story.