80-Year Commemoration of Her Heroic Sacrifice

Thursday marks 80 years since Hannah Szenes, a valiant Hungarian-Jewish poet and paratrooper, displayed unparalleled courage before her execution by Hungarian forces. Her story is not just one of tragic loss but of relentless bravery in the face of oppression.

Why It Matters

The legacy of Hannah Szenes is emblematic of the enduring spirit and resilience inherent within the Jewish community. Born in Budapest in 1921, Szenes made the bold decision to immigrate to Mandatory Palestine in 1939. Her journey signifies a profound commitment to forming a homeland where Jewish people could thrive.

Her Impact

Szenes’s integration into Kibbutz Sdot Yam in 1941 and her subsequent work with the Haganah underline her dedication to her community. Notable is her time in the British Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and participation in the Special Operations Executive where her mission exemplified courage and a profound alliance with anti-Nazi efforts and Jewish salvation.

A Lasting Legacy through Poetry and Courage

Hannah Szenes succumbed to a grave fate when captured on the Hungarian border, resisting even under torture until her execution at only 23. Yet Szenes’s creative soul lives on through her poetry, with “Eli, Eli” and “Blessed is the Match” maintaining their place as inspiring Jewish hymns, offering hope and remembrance to many.

The Photographer’s Eye

While famed for her poetic contributions, Szenes also channeled her artistic sentiment into photography. Her images, arising from her time in Europe, at the Kibbutz, and during her aliyah journey, continue to offer personal insights. Deposited in the National Library of Israel in 2022, Szenes’s photographic archive demonstrates another facet of her desire to document and celebrate life around her, capturing moments of companionship and serenity amidst a turbulent world.

This story was first published on jpost.com.