The Visas for Life: The Righteous and Honorable Diplomats exhibit was showcased at the IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from Sunday, August 18, through Thursday, August 22. Held in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel, the exhibit was viewed by over 800 attendees, many of whom shared profound connections to the history presented.
The exhibit, recently updated by the organizers, the Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust, to include all members of the Lados/Bernese rescue group, now features over 80 international diplomatic rescuers. This was the first time many of these diplomats were included in the presentation, offering a more comprehensive view of their lifesaving efforts during World War II. The response was overwhelmingly positive, particularly from individuals who were either relatives of the diplomatic rescuers or descendants of survivors who had been saved by these diplomats. Many attendees expressed surprise at the sheer number of diplomats who played crucial roles in saving Jews and other refugees across Europe.
Throughout the conference, the organizers conducted tours and shared with visitors the broader history of diplomatic rescue, highlighting that over 300 diplomats were involved in saving Jews and other refugees during the Holocaust. They also discussed the proposed Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R.537/S.91). While the current bill recognizes only 60 diplomats for aiding Jews, the Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust advocated for a more inclusive approach, recognizing all diplomat rescuers, including those who saved non-Jews from Nazi persecution.
In addition to the exhibit, there were two talks on the program. The first focused on Swiss diplomatic rescuer Carl Lutz, the Swiss Vice Consul in Budapest, Hungary. Lutz pioneered the Schutzpass (protective paper), which shielded Budapest Jews from arrest and deportation. Val Kogan, who is championing a monument to Carl Lutz in Philadelphia, joined as a co-presenter.
The second talk highlighted American rescuers and rescue organizations. Theevent emphasized the significant contributions of American volunteers and professionals who operated throughout Europe, as well as the efforts of various organizations and networks. Laurene Sherlock, granddaughter of Laurence A. Steinhardt, the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Turkey during World War II, joined as a co-presenter. Ambassador Steinhardt collaborated with several rescue organizations, including the War Refugee Board and Yishuv Emissaries, and notably with Vatican nuncio Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who later became Pope John XXIII. Sherlock is currently writing a biography of her grandfather’s rescue activities.
The audience was surprised to learn that only five Americans have been officially recognized by Yad Vashem for their rescue efforts during the Holocaust. The Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust is actively sponsoring H.R.2668, the “U.S. Rescue and Aid Individuals of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023,” to honor all American rescuers collectively. This bill was introduced by Congresswoman Judy Chu of Pasadena, California, and Speaker Emerita of the House, Nancy Pelosi, whose father, Thomas d’Alessandro, was among the proposed honorees for his work in supporting Jewish refugees.
During the conference, Rabbi Goldman of B’nai Abraham Chabad in Philadelphia, expressed interest in a program honoring American diplomat rescuer Henry “Myles” Standish, the vice consul in charge of visas at the Marseille consulate from 1937 to 1941. Standish issued exit visas to Chabad Rabbi Menachem Schneerson and his wife, Hannah. The organizers are currently collaborating with Standish’s granddaughter, Scotti Woolery-Price, who is writing a biography of her grandfather. They warmly welcome Scotti to the Visas for Life program!
Tomi Komoly, nephew of Otto Komoly, a notable Jewish Red Cross rescuer in Budapest, was welcomed as well as the families of diplomatic rescuers Colonel Arturo Castellanos (El Salvador) and José María Barreto (Peru).
