Oskar Schindler

Jerusalem, IL

Oskar Schindler
Oskar Schindler
Location
Jerusalem, IL
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
31.7701522, 35.2304071
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Oskar Schindler’s grave, located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, serves as a site of profound historical reflection. Oskar Schindler (1908–1974) was a German industrialist credited with saving the lives of approximately 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and munitions factories in occupied Poland and the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Following the war, Schindler lived in relative obscurity before his passing in 1974. Per his request, he was buried in Jerusalem, making him the only member of the Nazi Party to be honored with burial on Mount Zion, a site of significant religious and historical importance. Visitors to the site often leave small stones on his headstone, a traditional Jewish custom signifying that the deceased has been visited and remembered. As you explore the historic landscape of Mount Zion, including the nearby Dormition Abbey and the Room of the Last Supper, this site stands as a somber testament to the complexities of human morality during the Second World War. For those planning their itinerary, this location is a poignant addition to any list of places to visit in Jerusalem. Whether you are interested in modern history or seeking meaningful trip ideas, the site provides a quiet space for contemplation regarding the legacy of those who chose to act against the atrocities of the Holocaust.

General information

Oskar Schindler’s grave, located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, serves as a site of profound historical reflection. Oskar Schindler (1908–1974) was a German industrialist credited with saving the lives of approximately 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his enamelware and munitions factories in occupied Poland and the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Following the war, Schindler lived in relative obscurity before his passing in 1974. Per his request, he was buried in Jerusalem, making him the only member of the Nazi Party to be honored with burial on Mount Zion, a site of significant religious and historical importance. Visitors to the site often leave small stones on his headstone, a traditional Jewish custom signifying that the deceased has been visited and remembered. As you explore the historic landscape of Mount Zion, including the nearby Dormition Abbey and the Room of the Last Supper, this site stands as a somber testament to the complexities of human morality during the Second World War. For those planning their itinerary, this location is a poignant addition to any list of places to visit in Jerusalem. Whether you are interested in modern history or seeking meaningful trip ideas, the site provides a quiet space for contemplation regarding the legacy of those who chose to act against the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Did you know

  • Oskar Schindler is the only member of the Nazi Party to be buried on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
  • His grave is a frequent site of pilgrimage for those honoring his efforts to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
  • The tradition of leaving stones on his grave is a Jewish custom that symbolizes the permanence of memory.

History

Oskar Schindler was a Sudeten German industrialist who, during World War II, utilized his factories to protect his Jewish workforce from deportation to extermination camps. After the war, Schindler faced financial hardship and eventually passed away in Hildesheim, Germany, in 1974. His final wish was to be buried in Jerusalem. His remains were transported to Israel and interred in the Catholic cemetery on Mount Zion, a location chosen for its proximity to the Old City. His grave remains a site of historical significance, marking the resting place of a man recognized as 'Righteous Among the Nations' by Yad Vashem in 1993.

Cultural significance

The burial of Oskar Schindler in Jerusalem represents a unique intersection of Holocaust history and Jewish tradition. By choosing to be buried in the Holy City, Schindler became permanently linked to the memory of the people he rescued. His grave has become a symbol of individual conscience and the capacity for moral choice during the darkest periods of the 20th century. The act of visitors leaving stones—a practice rooted in Jewish mourning traditions—highlights how his legacy has been integrated into the collective memory of the Jewish people and the broader narrative of the Holocaust.

Geography and landscape

The grave is located within the Catholic Cemetery on the slopes of Mount Zion, situated just outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City. The area is characterized by its high concentration of significant historical and religious landmarks, including the Dormition Abbey and the traditional site of the Room of the Last Supper. The terrain is elevated, offering views toward the Kidron Valley and the surrounding hills of Jerusalem. The cemetery itself is a quiet, walled enclosure that provides a stark, meditative contrast to the bustling activity found in the nearby urban centers of the city.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

Nearby attractions