The life that existed for Irena Krzyzanowska is very interesting and gives you an idea of who would eventually become one of the most recognized women during World War II (Irena Sendler).
She was born on February 15, 1910, in Warsaw, Poland to Stanisław Krzyżanowski (her father) — a doctor; and Janina Krzyżanowska (née Grzybowska), her mother. As per Yad Vashem, the surname of Irena Sendler’s birth is identified as Krzyżanowska.
Irena Krzyzanowska Early Life (Childhood)
Much of Irena Krzyzanowska’s youth was spent in Otwock — a health resort located outside of Warsaw — where her mother took her at the age of 2 after Irena developed serious cases of whooping cough.
At that point, her parents determined it would be healthier for Irena to live in Otwock than Warsaw.
Irena’s father Stanisław Krzyżanowski practiced medicine in Otwock and cared for many patients who were from varied social economic backgrounds.
Stanisław Krzyżanowski’s practices during his career as a physician had a profound effect upon Irena’s youth. Stanisław Krzyżanowski is described as caring for impoverished patients without charging them when he himself struggled financially to support his family.
Additionally, Stanisław Krzyżanowski practiced medicine without regard to the race, ethnicity or religion of the patient. As a result, Irena was exposed to the hardships that many individuals experience due to poverty and illness through her father’s medical practice.
Irena’s youth was additionally shaped by interactions with Jewish patients. A Polish governmental report indicates that she studied Yiddish as a young woman while accompanying her father to the sanatorium where he treated tuberculosis patients.
The exposure she received to people from various groups while growing up contributed greatly to her development of tolerance toward people of other cultures and concerns for those experiencing hardship.
Irena Krzyzanowska’s Family
Irena Krzyzanowska’s early experiences and learning were shaped by the importance she placed upon family. In 1917, her father, who treated people suffering from typhus during an epidemic, contracted the disease and passed away. She was only 7 years old when this happened.
The loss of her father would have lasting effects for the family as well as Irena’s views toward service to others.
Later in her life, Irena found her father’s example to be very significant. According to the Polish Government publication describing Irena’s principle that she learned from her father; When there is danger (to) someone, then it is proper to take action to help them.
This became one of many examples of how Irena responded to difficult circumstances in her lifetime.
Irena Krzyzanowska’s Education
She was also suspended from her student rights for opposing the discriminatory practice of segregating Jewish students by placing “ghetto” benches.
Irena’s involvement with the Polish Scouting Association and her studies at the University of Warsaw contributed to her increasing sense of independence and awareness of social injustices.
Her education and other experiences during this time period helped shape Irena into a young woman who valued independence and an active role in society.
In 1927, Irena began attending classes at the University of Warsaw. She first studied law but later changed to study Polish Literature.
How Her Early Life Shaped Her
Irena Krzyzanowska’s childhood was shaped by a combination of influences from family, education, hardships, and exposure to individuals of many backgrounds.
Influences from her father’s career as a physician, her experience at Otwock, her educational background, and her aversion to discrimination influenced what she would come to believe and how those beliefs would guide her in her future endeavors.
The factors that contributed to Irena Sendler becoming an advocate for social welfare prior to World War II, and ultimately risking her life to aid Jewish victims during the Holocaust were also a result of these formative years.
As such, learning about Irena Krzyzanowska’s youth is essential to gaining an understanding of the basis for her future humanitarian efforts.