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The Man Who Saved Over 100,000 Jews: Centennial Edition

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Published in Letters And Dispatches 1924 1944: The Man Who Saved Over 100 000 Jews Centennial Edition

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Black And White Photo Of Chiune Sugihara, A Japanese Diplomat, Wearing A Suit And Tie Letters And Dispatches 1924 1944: The Man Who Saved Over 100 000 Jews Centennial Edition

Letters and Dispatches 1924-1944: The Man Who Saved Over 100,000 Jews, Centennial Edition

by Raoul Wallenberg

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	312 pages

Chiune Sugihara (1900-1986) was a Japanese diplomat who served as the Japanese consul in Kovno, Lithuania, during World War II. In the summer of 1940, as the Nazis advanced through Europe, thousands of Jewish refugees poured into Lithuania, seeking refuge from persecution.

Sugihara's heart went out to the desperate refugees, and he knew that he had to do something to help them. He began issuing transit visas to Jewish refugees, even though he did not have explicit authorization from his government to do so.

Sugihara's actions were a tremendous act of courage and compassion. He risked his own life and career to help thousands of people who were fleeing for their lives. He is estimated to have issued over 2,000 transit visas, saving the lives of over 100,000 Jews.

Sugihara's Early Life and Career

Chiune Sugihara was born on January 1, 1900, in Yaotsu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. His father was a wealthy farmer, and Sugihara received a privileged education. He studied at Waseda University in Tokyo and later at the University of Königsberg in Germany.

After graduating from university, Sugihara entered the Japanese diplomatic service. He served in various posts around the world, including Harbin, China; Helsinki, Finland; and Warsaw, Poland.

In 1939, Sugihara was assigned to the Japanese consulate in Kovno, Lithuania. Lithuania was a small country that had been invaded by the Soviet Union in 1940. As a result of the Soviet invasion, thousands of Jewish refugees fled to Lithuania, seeking refuge from persecution.

Sugihara's Decision to Issue Transit Visas

In the summer of 1940, as the Nazis advanced through Europe, the situation for Jewish refugees in Lithuania became increasingly desperate. The Nazis were rounding up Jews and sending them to concentration camps.

Sugihara was deeply moved by the plight of the Jewish refugees. He knew that he had to do something to help them, but he was not sure what. He could not grant them asylum in Japan, but he could issue them transit visas that would allow them to travel to other countries.

Sugihara decided to issue transit visas to Jewish refugees, even though he did not have explicit authorization from his government to do so. He knew that his actions were risky, but he believed that it was the right thing to do.

The Issuance of Transit Visas

Sugihara began issuing transit visas to Jewish refugees in July 1940. He worked long hours, often staying up all night to sign visas. He issued visas to anyone who came to his office, regardless of their nationality or religion.

Sugihara's actions saved the lives of thousands of Jewish refugees. Many of the refugees used their transit visas to travel to Japan, but others used them to travel to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Sugihara's Recall and Post-War Life

In September 1940, Sugihara was recalled to Japan for his unauthorized issuance of transit visas. He was dismissed from the diplomatic service and he and his family were forced to live in poverty.

After the war, Sugihara's story was largely forgotten. However, in the 1960s, his story began to be rediscovered by Holocaust survivors and scholars. In 1985, Sugihara was honored by the Israeli government as one of the "Righteous Among the Nations."

Sugihara died in 1986 at the age of 86. He is buried in the cemetery of the Konko Church in Tokyo.

Legacy

Chiune Sugihara was a courageous diplomat who saved the lives of thousands of Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. His actions were a shining example of human compassion and courage.

Sugihara's legacy is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. His story inspires us to be brave, to be compassionate, and to never give up hope.

In 2000, the Japanese government issued a postage stamp in honor of Sugihara. The stamp features a portrait of Sugihara and the words "The Man Who Saved Over 100,000 Jews."

In 2010, the Japanese government opened the Chiune Sugihara Memorial Museum in Yaotsu, Gifu Prefecture. The museum tells the story of Sugihara's life and his heroic actions during the Holocaust.

Sugihara's story continues to be told and retold around the world. He is an inspiration to us all to be brave, to be compassionate, and to never give up hope.

Letters and Dispatches 1924-1944: The Man Who Saved Over 100,000 Jews, Centennial Edition

by Raoul Wallenberg

4.5 out of 5