Schindler’s List’s iconic red coat-clad girl is now helping refugees flee war-torn Ukraine to her native Poland, where she was raised. On the set of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film starring Liam Neeson as Oskar Schindler, Oliwia Dabrowska was just three years old when she played the role of ‘the girl in red’. Now, Mrs Dabrowska is reviving her role as a Holocaust survivor in a new film based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, who saved the lives of 1,200 Jews in World War II.
Over 4.3 million Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring countries since the invasion began, with Poland receiving 2,514,504 refugees during that time. As well as helping refugees in need of humanitarian aid and support, the 32-year-old has been gathering money for others in need along the Polish/Ukrainian border. Instead of using the black, white, and red colors of the Ukrainian flag, she posted a photo from Schindler’s List with the caption: ‘She was always the symbol of hope. “Let her be it again.”” In an appeal to her 22,000 followers last month, Mrs. Dabrowska urged them to send money to Ukrainian civilians fleeing war.
‘We encountered Ukrainian family (mother with 2 kids) who needed transport to very distant city – near German border,’ she wrote of the incident as it occurred near the Polish/Ukrainian border in Korczowa.
“What’s going on with this group? We often transport refugees in our area, but this time we couldn’t just say “no” because of the circumstances. There was nothing they wanted more than to see their sister again. There are so many tears welling up in my eyes just thinking about those children! I’m sorry, but I’m at a loss for words when trying to describe what I saw… It’s impossible for anyone who hasn’t seen it to comprehend the horror these folks must be through. Because of this, I’d like to beg for your help. However, if I may be honest and apologize in advance, if this sounds greedy, money is the most critical form of assistance. Fuel, food, refugee shelters, cosmetics, and other necessities must be paid for by us”
“In a few days, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about legally supporting me and my group of volunteers from the United States and other countries. I’ve just started working with Polish foundation. A foreign currency account for donating directly to refugees in need was also shared with her followers this week. ‘Hope is the most important thing we have at the moment,’ she remarked. ‘It’s a team effort, not just mine, and I’m glad there are so many of us!’ When she was a child actress, Dabrowska made a promise to director Spielberg that she wouldn’t watch the picture until she was 18. but she broke that vow when she was only 11 years old, something she regrets.
During the clearing of the Cracow ghetto, Oskar Schindler sees the toddler, the sole colored thing in the picture. When Oskar next sees the youngster, it will be on a card carrying the deceased. His next step is to create an inventory of all the Jews who need his help. Over 1,200 Jews are said to have been saved by Schindler. As of 1994, the film had won seven Oscars, including best picture (Best Director), best screenplay (Best Original), best art direction (Best Cinematography), and best film editing (Best Editing). It was also nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama.
