In what ways might Hans hubermann have been considered a hero and not a coward as he had been accused by his son?

Hans' compassion sets a strong example for Liesel, who is soothed by his presence. A skilled house painter by trade, Hans is horrified by the Nazis' persecution of the Jews, and he brings scrutiny to himself by painting over anti-Semitic slurs on Jewish-owned homes and businesses. Hans' impulsive kindness ultimately gets him in trouble. He also gives bread to a starving prisoner and hides Max, a Jew, in his basement. Hans could have easily fit in with the German status-quo, instead his compassion constantly put his life in danger.