During one of the most inhumane times in world history, Adolph Hitler’s attempt to murder all of Europe’s Jews almost succeeded. Chief among the reasons that the savage goal fell short was the work of brave non-Jews who sheltered their fellow citizens. On Thursday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St., authors Bill Tammeus and Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn present the stories of everyday heroes from their book They Were Just People.

In most countries under German control, those who rescued Jews risked imprisonment and death. In Poland, home to more Jews than any other country at the start of World War II and location of six German-built death camps, the punishment was immediate execution. They Were Just People tells the stories of Polish Holocaust survivors and their rescuers. Tammeus and Cukierkorn traveled extensively in the United States and Poland to interview some of the few remaining participants before their generation is gone. The duo unfolds gripping narratives of Jews who survived against all odds and courageous non-Jews who risked their own lives to provide shelter.

Tammeus, a former nationally syndicated columnist for The Kansas City Star, is the author of A Gift of Meaning and lives in Kansas City. Cukierkorn, descended from Polish rabbis, is the spiritual leader of the New Reform Temple in Kansas City and is the author of Accessible Judaism: A Concise Guide.

Their presentation is co-sponsored by Rainy Day Books. The authors will sign copies of their book purchased at the event.