In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer

Throughout the events of In My Hands, both Irena and other characters look to religion to find strength against the horrors of war. At times, Irena feels abandoned by a God who’s let such terrible things happen, and she is let down by the trappings of organized religion, but ultimately her faith that God has a purpose for her carries her through.

As a child, Irena has faith that God will always protect her beloved Poland, as evidenced by her awe for the Black Madonna icon. However, war quickly decimates Poland, and Irena can no longer find the same comfort in religious rites. On one visit to church she says, “I stood, and kneeled, and sat, and mumbled my responses by rote, but the mass did not give me the solace I craved” (89). As the war escalates, she sees such tragedy that she believes God has “been deaf” to many in need (158). More disappointment comes when she seeks absolution for becoming Rügemer’s mistress in order to save lives, and the priest will not grant it.

Most of Irena’s disappointments come from elements of organized religion—mass, confession, a specific priest—and ultimately, her faith in a more abstract God prevails.