On a recent trip to Budapest, I learned about the amazing deeds of Swiss diplomat, Carl Lutz.
The stone memorial (photo), near the entrance to what was the Jewish ghetto in Budapest, has a quote by Lutz which reads, "It drives me insane when I suddenly have to decide who to save. Where is God?"
In the annals of World War II history, there are countless tales of heroism, sacrifice, and bravery. Yet, among these stories, some remain relatively unknown to the wider world despite their immense impact. One such figure is Carl Lutz, a Swiss diplomat whose extraordinary efforts saved tens of thousands of Jewish lives during the Holocaust. Despite his significant contributions, Lutz's story often goes untold, overshadowed by more prominent figures. Today, we shed light on the remarkable legacy of Carl Lutz, a true unsung hero of World War II.
Born in Switzerland in 1895, Carl Lutz began his career as a diplomat, serving in various postings around the world. In 1942, he was appointed as the Swiss Vice-Consul in Budapest, Hungary. Little did he know that this assignment would thrust him into the heart of one of the darkest chapters in human history.
During World War II, Hungary was allied with Nazi Germany, and its Jewish population faced persecution and deportation to concentration camps. Recognizing the impending danger, Carl Lutz took decisive action to protect the Jewish community. He issued tens of thousands of protective letters, known as "Schutzbriefe," which granted legal immunity to their holders and allowed them to seek refuge in safe houses designated as Swiss territory. This sometimes included pulling Jewish people out of the marching columns of people as they were herded to deportations trains...but Lutz couldn't save everyone.
Lutz's efforts didn't stop there. When the Nazis began deporting Jews to death camps in 1944, he negotiated directly with Hungarian and Nazi officials, using his diplomatic immunity to establish safe houses, including the famous Glass House, where thousands found sanctuary. He also organized daring rescue missions, securing the release of Jews from deportation trains and placing them under Swiss protection.
Despite facing intense pressure from Nazi authorities and risking his own safety, Carl Lutz remained steadfast in his commitment to saving lives. His tireless efforts and moral courage saved an estimated 62,000 Jews from deportation and almost certain death. Yet, remarkably, his story remained largely overlooked in the decades following the war.
It wasn't until the 1960s that Lutz's remarkable deeds began to gain recognition. In 1963, he was honored by Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial, as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, a title bestowed upon non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. However, it wasn't until much later that his full story received the attention it deserved.
In recent years, historians and researchers have worked to shed light on Carl Lutz's heroic actions, ensuring that his legacy is not forgotten. Documentaries, books, and academic studies have brought his story to a wider audience, highlighting the courage and compassion of this unsung hero.
Today, Carl Lutz's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of individual action in the face of injustice and oppression. In a world often marred by conflict and division, his story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the difference that one person can make in the lives of others.
As we reflect on the lessons of the past, let us remember the extraordinary courage of Carl Lutz and the countless other unsung heroes who risked everything to stand up for what is right. May their stories inspire us to confront hatred and intolerance wherever they may arise and to strive for a world built on compassion, empathy, and understanding.