Untold Titanic love story: Devotion in face of disaster
One of the most touching moments in the 1997 film "Titanic" was not just fiction. The scene where the elderly couple lies in bed together during the sinking ship is based on actual events that took place in 1912.
The Titanic, considered a technological wonder of its time, sank during its maiden voyage from Europe to North America. Although the shipwreck was only located in 1985 after decades of searching, its remnants still rest at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
A disaster that moved the world
The Titanic disaster occurred on the night of April 14 to 15, 1912, when the ship collided with an iceberg during its maiden voyage. About 1,500 people perished. This story became the basis of the multi-award-winning film by James Cameron, which garnered as many as eleven Oscars and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Although the main storyline of the film was the fictional love between Jack and Rose, many scenes were based on true stories of passengers. Among them is the moving tale of Isidor and Ida Straus—a couple who chose to remain together until the end in the face of death.
Love stronger than death
Isidor Straus was a co-owner of the famous Macy’s department store and a former congressman. Together with his wife Ida, they were returning to the United States from Europe. After the ship collided with the iceberg, they were directed to one of the lifeboats, but Isidor refused to take a place, stating he would not seek rescue before others. Ida also decided not to board the lifeboat, saying, "Where you go, I go."
They were last seen on deck, holding hands. Their loyalty and love moved witnesses of the tragedy. Isidor's body was found and buried in New York. Ida's body was never found.
