The Altruistic Personality: Rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe

The result of six years of study, "The Altruistic Personality" explores the experiences and motivations of those uncommon individuals who aided Jews at a time of extreme danger. By comparing and contrasting rescuers and bystanders, it was discovered that those who intervened were distinguished by characteristics such as empathy and a sense of connection to others. A major review called "The Altruistic Personality" the definitive study of rescuers. Stories from the book have been dramatized by playwright Wilfried Harrison in Rescuers Speaking, which has been performed both in the U.S. and abroad, as well as produced by the BBC. Published by Harword

Samuel P. Oliner and Pearl M. Oliner
The Free Press, Macmillan, 1988, 1992
The Altruistic Personality: Rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe