Symcha Spira

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.