Irene Gut Opdyke – Irene Opdyke – (September 16, 1922 – November 17, 2003) stands as one of the remarkable heroines of World War II, remembered for her extraordinary courage in defying Nazi terror to save Jewish lives. A Polish Catholic nurse, Opdyke’s story embodies the power of individual bravery in the face of genocide.
Born in Kozienice, Poland, Irene was just 17 when Germany invaded her country in 1939. Trained as a nurse, she was soon confronted with the horrors of Nazi occupation. While working for a German major as a housekeeper, Irene Opdyke discovered an opportunity to resist the brutality surrounding her. Hidden in the cellar and forested grounds of the major’s villa, she sheltered twelve Jewish men and women who would have otherwise been sent to certain death.
Her daily existence was marked by constant danger. To keep her secret safe, Opdyke endured harassment, coercion, and immense personal sacrifice. Yet, she refused to abandon those in her care. Through resourcefulness, faith, and unshakable courage, she kept them alive until liberation.
After the war, Irene eventually emigrated to the United States, where she dedicated her life to telling her story. Her memoir, In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer, became a testament to resistance and moral responsibility. In 1982, Yad Vashem in Israel honored her as Righteous Among the Nations, recognizing her as one of the non-Jewish individuals who risked everything to protect Jews during the Holocaust.
Irene Opdyke’s life continues to inspire generations as a reminder that even in humanity’s darkest hours, compassion and moral courage can prevail. She is celebrated worldwide as a symbol of conscience, resilience, and the enduring fight against hatred.
