Maria von Maltsan The countess hid persecuted Jews in her apartment and helped them escape from Germany Date of Birth: 25.03.1909 Country: Germany

Biography of Maria von Maltzan

Countess Maria von Maltzan was born on March 25, 1909, in a wealthy noble family in Silesia, Germany. Growing up in a large estate near the Polish border, Maria experienced a privileged childhood surrounded by valuable collections of art and music. Her father, a respected figure in Silesia, was known for his philanthropy and dedication to helping the less fortunate.

Maria's strong character and sense of justice were evident from a young age. She showed perseverance, independence, and a love for animals. Despite facing challenges due to her non-conformity to societal norms, Maria pursued higher education and enrolled in the biology department of the University of Breslau and later transferred to the University of Munich.

During her time in Munich, Maria became involved with the social democratic movement and actively participated in public work. However, with the rise of the Nazi regime, life in Germany became increasingly dangerous. Maria's strong anti-Nazi convictions led her to reject offers to become a propagandist for the National Socialist Party.

Throughout the 1930s, Maria maintained her connections with the anti-Nazi underground and continued her studies in biology. She successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in natural sciences, but finding employment in academia became impossible due to her political views.

In the early 1940s, Maria joined a publishing company and became a popular author, writing sentimental stories about animals. Her writings provided a source of income, which she used to support herself and help others during the war. Maria also pursued her dream of becoming a veterinarian and enrolled in the veterinary department of the University of Berlin in 1940.

Maria's life took a dramatic turn when she met Hans Girschel, the publisher of an avant-garde literary almanac. They fell deeply in love, and despite the increasing persecution of Jews in Berlin, Hans decided to stay with his mother, who refused to emigrate. Maria supported them both, using her connections to protect them from the Nazi regime.

In 1942, when Hans Girschel's mother was ordered to move to a designated Jewish house, Maria, who was pregnant at the time, joined them and rented an apartment on Detmolderstrasse. In order to hide Hans from the Nazis, Maria modified a large couch to create a secret compartment where he could hide for extended periods. She also strategically staged his disappearance to divert attention.

Throughout the war, Maria faced constant danger, with frequent visits from the Gestapo and the threat of exposure. Despite this, she continued to provide shelter and support to persecuted Jews, working in collaboration with Swedish church representatives and anti-fascist resistance groups.

After the war, Maria von Maltzan remained committed to helping the less fortunate and fighting for justice. She lived the rest of her life in Berlin, known for her strong character and dedication to humanitarian causes. Maria von Maltzan passed away on November 12, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of courage and compassion in the face of adversity.