Standing for Faith: The Story of a German Officer Who Chose Humanity Over Hatred

In the midst of the darkest days of World War II, as Nazi Germany unleashed unspeakable horrors upon millions, one man’s choice of compassion and faith reminds us of the power of moral conviction. Wilm Hosenfeld, a German officer stationed in occupied Poland, stands as a symbol of what it means to choose courage in the face of evil. His story, one of quiet heroism, offers us inspiration as modern-day Esthers.

Hosenfeld’s role in the German military provided him with a vantage point over the brutality inflicted on Poland’s Jewish population. In a world where following orders meant complicity in genocide, Hosenfeld chose a different path. He used his position to save lives and alleviate suffering, embodying the principles of courage and faith. One of those he saved was Władysław Szpilman, the renowned pianist immortalized in the film The Pianist. When Hosenfeld discovered Szpilman in hiding, weak and near starvation, he did not report him; instead, he provided food, shelter, and hope in an otherwise hopeless world.

Hosenfeld’s compassion went beyond Szpilman. He aided countless others in the Warsaw Ghetto, hiding Jews and Polish citizens alike, taking enormous risks to provide them with food, shelter, and safety. In his diaries, he documented the atrocities he witnessed, showing a deep moral struggle with the actions of his government. “The crimes committed by Germans against the Jews are a stain on humanity,” he wrote, an acknowledgment of the great moral darkness around him. His words reflect the responsibility he felt to stand up, even as an officer of the very regime responsible.

As Christian Women For Israel, we can look to Hosenfeld as an example of the courage it takes to stand against the crowd, even when it costs us. Today, we are not facing the direct horrors that Hosenfeld witnessed, but we are called to stand with Israel, advocate for justice, and speak out against rising antisemitism. Just as Queen Esther boldly declared, “If I perish, I perish,” in her own time of crisis, Hosenfeld made a choice to stand for what was right.

In our modern-day commitment to be Esthers, let us pray for the courage to act in faith and to support Israel with unwavering strength. Hosenfeld’s story reminds us that even one person’s decision to act justly can bring light into the darkest places. As we learn more about his legacy, let us be emboldened to make our own stands for truth and justice—knowing that every choice to support Israel and the Jewish people aligns us with God’s call for compassion, strength, and courage.