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We are concluding Women's History Month 2025 with the story of a truly great woman who is hardly known. Like so many others, her heroism has been overlooked. May the stories of these women encourage you to make a difference in your world!

Ottla Kafka was not only the beloved sister of the famous writer Franz Kafka but also a woman of great courage and kindness. Born in 1892, Ottla was known for her strong will. She went against her family’s wishes by studying agriculture and running a farm. She had a close relationship with her brother Franz, who admired her strength and supported her decisions, even when they went against the norms of their time.
During World War II, when the Nazis took control of Czechoslovakia, Ottla, who was Jewish, was sent to the Terezín ghetto in 1942. Despite the terrible conditions, she focused on helping others, especially orphaned children who had lost everything. She was known for her kindness, strength, and dedication to caring for those in need.
In October 1943, when the Nazis planned to send a group of orphaned children to Auschwitz, Ottla made an extraordinary decision. She chose to go with them, hoping to comfort them during their terrifying journey. She stayed with the children, making sure they were not alone in their final moments. On October 7, 1943, Ottla and the children were killed in the gas chambers at Auschwitz.
Ottla Kafka’s story is a powerful example of humanity in the darkest times. While her brother Franz is often remembered, Ottla’s bravery and compassion should not be forgotten. True heroism is not about power or fame but about the quiet courage to stand with the vulnerable, even when facing unimaginable fear.
Text Credit: American Philosophy