Who was Itzhak Stern? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Died At Age: 67

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Sophia Backenrot (m. 1945)

siblings: Natan Stern

Born Country: Poland

Israeli Men Polish Men

Died on: 1969

place of death: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Cause of Death: Suicide

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1

What role did Itzhak Stern play in history?

Itzhak Stern was a Jewish accountant who worked closely with Oskar Schindler during World War II to save over 1,200 Jewish workers from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.
2

How did Itzhak Stern help Oskar Schindler save Jewish lives?

Itzhak Stern was instrumental in managing the financial aspects of Schindler's businesses, including the enamelware factory and the munitions plant, which enabled Schindler to protect his Jewish workers from deportation to concentration camps.
3

What was Itzhak Stern's role in compiling Schindler's list?

Itzhak Stern played a crucial role in documenting the names of Jewish workers who were to be saved by Oskar Schindler, creating the famous "Schindler's List" that identified individuals as essential workers needed for the war effort.
4

How did Itzhak Stern's background contribute to his collaboration with Oskar Schindler?

Itzhak Stern's background as an accountant and his connections within the Jewish community in Krakow made him a valuable partner for Oskar Schindler in organizing the rescue efforts and managing the logistics of saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
5

What was Itzhak Stern's legacy after the war?

Itzhak Stern's legacy is largely tied to his role in the rescue of Jewish workers through his collaboration with Oskar Schindler, which has been immortalized in historical accounts, books, and films like "Schindler's List," ensuring that his contribution to saving lives during the Holocaust is remembered.

Childhood & Early Life

Itzhak was born in Krakow on January 25, 1901. He had a brother named Natan Stern, who went to Plaszow after the liquidation of the ‘Krakow Ghetto.’

Not much is known about his parents or family. However, it is known that his mother died of illness when she was being transferred to Auschwitz along with other female Jews from Schindler’s company. This incident is reported to have happened before Schindler had arranged their transfer to his new factory in Czechoslovakia.

He played the role of an important leader in the Jewish community and became the vice president of the ‘Jewish Agency for Western Poland.’ He was also a member of the ‘Zionist Central Committee.’

He got engaged to his partner, Sophia Backenrot, in 1938, but their marriage was postponed until after World War II.

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Career

On November 18, 1939, Itzhak met Oskar Schindler for the first time during the early months of the ‘Nazi’ occupation of Poland. Back then, he was working as an accountant for Josef “Sepp” Aue, who owned his former place of Jewish employment as a trustee. Josef was an ‘Abwehr’ (German military intelligence service) agent and a friend of Schindler’s.

It was Itzhak who advised Schindler, who wanted to acquire the enamelware factory called ‘Rekord Limited,’ to buy or lease his business to gain more freedom from the ‘Nazis.’ Schindler was then an active member of the ‘Nazi Party’.

He also advised Schindler to hire more Jewish people in his company at a much lower price than what he would spend to hire Polish staff. After Schindler agreed to his advice, they began rescuing Jews during the ‘Holocaust.’ This way, he became instrumental in saving many Jewish people who worked in Schindler’s factory and helped protect them from deportation. Together, they saved the lives of more than 1,000 “Schindlerjuden” (a German term meaning “Schindler’s Jews”).

Schindler practically handed over the reins of his factory to Itzhak, who was his bookkeeper and forged paperwork to make intellectuals and teachers appear to be factory workers and machinists. He began providing employment to Jews who would have otherwise been considered “nonessential” and most likely have been killed.

After the liquidation of the ‘Krakow Ghetto’ in 1943, Itzhak; his brother, Natan Stern; and Schindler’s workers were sent to Plaszow, along with Mietek Pemper and Joseph Bau. They were forced to work in the Plaszow office, where they came into contact with Amon Goth, an infamous commandant. Itzhak aided Pemper in his efforts to prevent the liquidation of Plaszow, as it would have led to the death of every prisoner there.

Even during his time in Plaszow, he never lost contact with Schindler and continued to work toward the betterment of the Jews. He continued to transfer Jewish workers to Schindler’s factory. He also circulated aid money and tried to attract the world’s attention to the plight of the Jewish people.

He came to the ‘Brünnlitz’ labor camp when Schindler decided to open the new factory in Czechoslovakia, after the closure of Plaszow became imminent in 1944. In order to prevent them from being sent to death camps, Itzhak and the surviving members of his family were placed on the famous list of Jews. They were to be transferred to Schindler’s safe haven. There, Itzhak started working directly with Schindler and became one of the leaders of the Jewish community.

He, along with other Jewish leaders, penned a letter to prevent Schindler’s arrest after the defeat of ‘Nazi’ Germany. Schindler was supposed to be arrested due to his ‘Abwehr’ membership and his ‘Nazi Party’ affiliation. He attested to Schindler’s wartime rescue of the Jewish community in the letter, which was given to Schindler before he fled to America.

He moved to Paris before finally immigrating to Israel after the ‘Red Army’ liberated the ‘Brünnlitz’ camp. He worked diligently to help Schindler be recognized more broadly and even wrote a pamphlet about his wartime rescue activities.

Personal Life & Legacy

Itzhak got engaged to Sophia Backenrot in 1938, after she survived the war due to her Aryan appearance, during her time in the ‘Drogobycz Ghetto.’ He remained married to Sophia until the end. He died in 1969, at the age of 68.

He maintained a lifelong friendship with Schindler and continued to correspond with him until his death.

Facts About Itzhak Stern

Itzhak Stern was a skilled accountant and businessman who played a crucial role in managing the finances of Oskar Schindler's enamelware factory during World War II.

Stern was known for his meticulous record-keeping and ability to navigate the challenges of working in Nazi-occupied territory, which helped protect the lives of hundreds of Jewish workers.

Despite the serious circumstances of the time, Stern maintained a sense of humor and was known for his quick wit and clever remarks.

Stern's dedication to helping others extended beyond his work with Schindler, as he also assisted in efforts to provide food and support to Jewish communities in need.

After the war, Stern continued his career in business and finance, demonstrating resilience and determination in rebuilding his life and contributing to society.

Itzhak Stern Biography

You wanted to know

What role did Itzhak Stern play in history?

How did Itzhak Stern help Oskar Schindler save Jewish lives?

What was Itzhak Stern's role in compiling Schindler's list?

How did Itzhak Stern's background contribute to his collaboration with Oskar Schindler?

What was Itzhak Stern's legacy after the war?