29. Sardari’s Was Part of a Broader Iranian WWII Story, In Which Tens of Thousands of Jews Were Saved From the Holocaust
The similarities between Abdol Hossein Sardari and Oskar Schindler of Schindler’s List as Holocaust heroes were notable. A key difference however is that, unlike Schindler, Sardari never enjoyed the fame and respect that Schindler enjoyed at the end of his life. The Iranian diplomat’s efforts to save Jews might surprise those unfamiliar with his story but are more familiar with the current Iranian government’s Holocaust denialism.
Nonetheless, Sardari and his wartime deeds are part of a broader story of Iranian efforts during WWII to save Jews from the Holocaust. In addition to Sardari’s efforts in Paris and occupied France, the Iranian government welcomed about 400,000 Polish refugees during the war. Included amongst their number were 25,000 to 30,000 Polish Jews, whose prospects would have been bleak had they remained in Poland, where 90% of that country’s Jews fell victim to the Holocaust.
