“…save him even if you cannot swim”

Irena’s determination to save lives was inspired by her father, who, as a physician, valued human lives so much that he was willing to risk his own. Her father once told her to save a drowning man even if she cannot swim. And when Poland was on the brink of drowning, Irena plunged into the rescue.

Hatred over Fear…

She also drew her strength to save people’s lives from her hatred of the German occupiers. “My hatred of the German occupiers was stronger than my fear,” she said.