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Symcha Spira

d. 1944

Nazi collaborator who served as a Commander of Krakow's Jewish Ghetto Police

GlazierKrakow Jüdischer Ordnungsdienst
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About Symcha Spira

Symcha Spira was a glazier and krakow Jüdischer Ordnungsdienst, known for World War II.

Symcha Spira (? – 1944), also known as Symche Spira, served as the head of the Krakow ghetto Jewish police during the Holocaust.

Biography According to survivors' testimony, before World War II Spira was an impoverished glazier and carpenter who practiced Orthodox Judaism. He was known to wear a full beard and kapoteh.

In the early days of the Krakow ghetto, Spira served as a low level clerk for the Judenrat. After his transfer, he became a commander of the Kraków Ghetto Jewish Police, at the recommendation of the German forces. After taking this role his appearance changed, as he adopted the police uniform in place of religious wear and removed his beard entirely. Many have even gone as far to accuse him of megalomania and using his position to enrich himself.

In 1942 an orphanage was established in the ghetto, which also acted as a daycare. This building was placed under the jurisdiction of Spira. He held religious services there for the High Holy Days. Several people, both Jews and ethnic Poles, joined his police force in 1942.

Legacy Spira's actions were included in Thomas Keneally's book Schindler's Ark, the basis of the film Schindler's List.

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Important facts

Died
1944, Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp
Occupation
Glazier, Krakow Jüdischer Ordnungsdienst
Nationality
Jews
Known for
World War II
Also known as
Симха Спира, Симхе Спира

Frequently asked questions

Who was Symcha Spira?

Nazi collaborator who served as a Commander of Krakow's Jewish Ghetto Police

When did Symcha Spira die?

Symcha Spira died in 1944 in Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp.

What was Symcha Spira's occupation?

Symcha Spira was a glazier and krakow Jüdischer Ordnungsdienst.

What was Symcha Spira known for?

Symcha Spira was known for World War II.

What nationality was Symcha Spira?

Symcha Spira's recorded nationality: Jews.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Symcha Spira

· Wikidata: Q110607610

· DBpedia: Symcha Spira

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Symcha Spira. https://biography.guide/symcha-spira/

MLA: "Symcha Spira." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/symcha-spira/.

Chicago: "Symcha Spira." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/symcha-spira/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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