A powerful new documentary is being created for Scottish schools that highlights the unwavering Christian faith of Jane Hainning, the only Scottish Scottish man who has been officially respected as “righteous among the nations” for her sacrifices during the Holocaust.
Commissioned by the Unison Labour Union, the film tells the story of Haying’s spiritual beliefs and quiet heroism, creating her journey from the humble upbringing of the countryside of Dumfriessher to the horrors of Auschwitz.
Haining’s dedication to her beliefs was central to every stage of her life. Growing up on a farm near Dancecore in Damfriesshire, she was deeply rooted in the development of Christianity and later served as a matron at the Scottish Mission School in Budapest from 1932 to 1944.
The school run by the Church of Scotland educated 400 girls, both Christian and Jewish, ages 6-16.
When World War II broke out, her employer urged her to go home for her safety.
However, Haining’s famous reaction repeated her faith and deep sense of duty.
Her nie, Deirdre McDowell, in the film, explained Haindie’s decision to stay as an extension of her belief that God is with her.
The documentary includes classroom interviews at Dumfries Academy, where Haining was Dux in 1915.
Mrs. McDowell recently released a rare family photo featuring Jane, her sister Agnes and colleagues from a mission school in Scotland.
As an element of the school’s religious, moral and philosophical studies course, the school’s Chalk and S2 students use Haining’s life as a lens to study moral courage, faith and resistance during genocide, highlighting how her spiritual beliefs shaped her moral choices.
“This lesson provided a valuable opportunity to examine the ethical challenges she encountered and to encourage meaningful discussions about courage, sacrifice and moral decision-making in the face of adversity,” Mrs. McDowell said.
“Jane is a normal yet extraordinary person, and her sacrifice shows them, little things mean so much. She did nothing.
“If we followed her example and treated fellow people like her, the world would be a much better place.”
Chalk taught Haying’s story, making the Holocaust more concrete for his students. “Jane Haining is a graduate of Dumfries Academy and by linking Holocaust stories to her life, tragedy becomes more personal to students and helps them understand how they resonate with their community.”
She was later arrested in 1944, but she was betrayed by those she faced with stealing rare food for a girl, but her final words to her students reflected her enduring kindness and faith.
After being imprisoned in Budapest, Haining was deported to Auschwitz in a cow wagon alongside the Hungarian Jews, where he was assigned to prisoner number 79467.
At age 47, she passed away within a few months. Officially he died of illness, but many believe he was killed in the gas chamber.
Despite the brutal end, her story is remembered not through her death, but through the faith-driven love that defined her life, and in honor of her sacrifice.
Elder Pam Mitchell of Dencore Parish Church said that he has held a permanent exhibition in Haining’s memory, and that Matron’s life offers timeless lessons.
“In her Christian values, Jane showed kindness, fairness and compassion for all her students,” she said.
“Her example is that facing what she believed in may lead young people to be more confident in their statements and more confident in opposition to prejudice.
“Who is she and what she was standing still very important in our world today.”
Mark Ferguson, a convener of Unison Scotland and secretary of the Renfrewshire branch, said the documentary is part of a broader initiative to support Holocaust education through storytelling. Work, Jane’s story, and Scottish connections to the horrifying events at Auschwitz-Birkenau. ”
Unison plans to officially release the film in January 2026, with Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron supporting the initiative.
Answers from Renfrewshire schools can help you determine whether films will be offered more widely in Scotland.
Originally published by Christian Today
