Who Is Irene Gut Opdyke? Age, Biography and Wiki
Irene Gut Opdyke was born on May 5, 1918, in the small town of Włocławek, Poland. She became a prominent figure during World War II for her bravery and compassion, ultimately saving the lives of numerous Jewish refugees from the Nazis. Irene's courageous actions led her to be recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. She lived a long and impactful life until her passing in 2003, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
| Occupation | Nurses |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1918 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Kozienice, Poland |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Poland |
| Date of death | 17 May, 2003 |
| Died Place | Fullerton, California, US |
Popularity
Irene Gut Opdyke's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Irene Gut Opdyke's physical attributes in her younger days are not widely documented, but she was often described as having a strong and resilient presence. At the time of her passing, she was reported to be around 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed approximately 130 lbs. Despite the hardships she faced during her lifetime, Irene's spirit remained unbroken, making her a symbol of hope and resilience.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Irene Gut Opdyke was known to have had a fulfilling personal life. After moving to the United States, she married a man named William Opdyke. Their partnership exemplified love and support, reflecting Irene's deep-rooted values of family and community. While details about her immediate family are limited, the stories of her sacrifices during the Holocaust often highlighted her connection with those she saved, further extending her concept of family beyond blood relations.
The family moved to Radom, where she enrolled at the nursing school before the Nazi-Soviet invasion of 1939. While she was hiding during the invasion, Russian soldiers discovered her and she was beaten and raped.
Originally forced to work in a munitions factory during the German occupation, Gut was hired by Wehrmacht Major Eduard Rügemer to work in a kitchen of a hotel that frequently served Nazi officials when he learned she was fluent in German.
It was during this period that Gut witnessed a German soldier, in the ghetto near the hotel, rip an infant from its mother's arms and throw the baby head-first onto the ground, presumably killing the child.
Horrified, she initially wanted to leave her faith but she came to a realization that people have a choice between doing good or evil and determined that she would help the Jews when the opportunity arose. Knowing she risked her life, Gut secretly took food from the hotel and delivered it to the Tarnopol Ghetto.
Net Worth and Salary
Though Irene Gut Opdyke was not driven by financial gain, her story and legacy have led to various speaking engagements and acknowledgments in both educational and humanitarian circles. While precise figures regarding her net worth at the time of her passing in 2003 are not readily available, it is acknowledged that her wealth was not substantial in the traditional sense, but her contributions to society were indeed priceless.
Career, Business and Investments
Irene’s career trajectory took a significant turn from her fighting for human rights during World War II to becoming a spokesperson for social justice and Holocaust education later in her life. She became an influential public speaker, sharing her experiences and promoting tolerance and humanitarian values. Her work largely revolved around education about the Holocaust, allowing her to contribute to various foundations and organizations dedicated to fighting discrimination and advocating for human rights.
After years of silence regarding her wartime experience, in 1975 Opdyke was convinced to speak after hearing a neo-Nazi claim that the Holocaust never occurred. Opdyke began a public speaking career which culminated in her memoir In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer.
In 1982, she was recognized and honored by Yad Vashem as one of the Polish Righteous Among the Nations. In 2012, Irene Gut Opdyke was recognized and honored by Yad Vashem as one of the German Righteous Among the Nations.
Social Network
While Irene Gut Opdyke did not have a social media presence during her lifetime, her story has been shared widely across various platforms posthumously. Numerous educational institutions and nonprofits continue to honor her memory, allowing her legacy to thrive in the digital age. Documentaries, interviews, and articles about her life serve to inspire new generations to carry forth her message of compassion and bravery.
In 1998, Opdyke's story was the subject of legal action and cross-complaint when she sought to regain the motion picture rights to her life story, which she had previously assigned in an option agreement. Copyright attorney Carole Handler represented Opdyke and worked with the parties to reach an agreement. The case was dismissed with prejudice.
Education
Irene Gut Opdyke was exposed to the brutal realities of world events at a young age, which shaped her worldview and beliefs. While detailed records of her formal education are sparse, her experiences during and after the war provided her with a profound understanding of suffering and resilience that transcended traditional educational paradigms. She became an advocate for education about history, ensuring that future generations would not forget the lessons learned from the past.