While the metal items factory was originally established by three Jewish entrepreneurs, the company changed ownership many times before filing for bankruptcy in 1939. Oskar Schindler took over the factory and used the premise during World War II to produce enamelware and later ammunition shells – the latter of which was in order to prove the factory’s value to the Nazi Party.
By doing this, Oskar Schindler was able to hire over 1,000 Jews and keep them employed throughout the Nazi occupation. When the Germans started losing the war, he went as far as bribing SS officials to prevent the execution of his Jewish employees by relocating them with his factory to a safer location in Brünnlitz. The SS official, Amon Goth’s secretary compiled the list of 1,200 Jews who were relocated thanks to Schindler’s efforts – thus giving the inspiration for Stephen Spielberg’s multi-award winning Schindler’s List.
Oskar Schindler died on October 9th, 1974 and was the only member of the Nazi Party be buried on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. In 1993, the Israeli government named Schindler and his wife, Emilie, were named Righteous Among the Nations. See remnants of Oskar Schindler’s heroic deeds in person during a memorable visit to the Oskar Schindler Factory.
