Thirty years ago on this very day Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who disappeared in January 1945 after saving the lives of tens of thousands condemned to certain death by the Nazis during World War II, became the second person in history to be awarded Honorary U.S. Citizenship by the U.S. Congress.
Back in 2005, the IRWF initiated a campaign aimed at obtaining official proclamations of “Wallenberg Days” across the United States. The State of New Jersey is proclaiming Raoul Wallenberg Day for the fourth time and in the official proclamation Governor Chris Christie declares, “Raoul Wallenberg is recognized as an incomparable example and inspiration for all who fight for justice.”
This commemorative date is celebrated every year in the State of New York and this year will be observed in the States of Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Utah and West Virginia. “Wallenberg Days” are internationally recognized and are commemorated in various countries including Canada and Argentina.
On this day we remember Raoul Wallenberg and all other brave Rescuers during the Holocaust, but our wish for this day is also expressed in words of the New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez “[Raoul Wallenberg Day] provides us with an opportunity to address intolerance issues in our society, become better informed, and take action against such problems;”
Therefore, we encourage all schools from the participating States to dedicate a class during the month of October to Raoul Wallenberg and other brave Rescuers, and to discuss with their students the values that Rescuers represent, such as: civic courage, human dignity, liberty, justice, and equality.
Read more about our Raoul Wallenberg Days.
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