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Obama Introduces Resolution Honoring the Life of Irena Sendler

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Michael Ortiz, 202 228 5566

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today introduced a resolution honoring the life and legacy of Irena Sendler, who passed away on May 12, 2008 at the age of 98. During the Holocaust, Sendler risked her life repeatedly to rescue more than 2,500 Jewish children living in the Warsaw ghetto in Poland who faced extermination by the Nazis. She received the highest civilian decoration in Poland, was recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations" by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Israel, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) introduced the House version of the resolution in May.

"During the greatest tragedy of the twentieth century, Irena Sendler committed herself to saving thousands of children from the fate that so many Polish Jews tragically faced," said Senator Obama. "She cherished human dignity, embodied selflessness and inspired hope. She was deservedly recognized throughout her lifetime for her extraordinary courage and her unwavering compassion. Irena will be missed. I offer my deepest condolences to Irena's family and friends, and to all of those she touched during her lifetime."