One of the unsolved mysteries of the Holocaust is “what happened to Raoul Wallenberg?” The Swedish diplomat, credited with saving up to 100,000 Jewish lives, disappeared at the end of the war. But it is his life, not his death, that raises the most interesting questions. What would cause a young man to risk everything – his reputation, his safety, and ultimately his life – in order to rescue strangers?
That courage in the face of danger will be explored during the Holocaust Center’s Yom HaShoah program on Sunday April 7. Keynote speaker will be Louise Borden, author of the new book “His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg: Courage, Rescue and Mystery During World War II”.
According to Borden, Wallenberg was a man with a strong moral compass. She says that she spent many years exploring his life so that she could make his very complicated story both understandable and inspiring to her young audience. Above all, she wanted to focus on his example.
Borden says that “one of the most important lessons for all of us is that, indeed, one person can make a difference in the world. Raoul was a leader – he inspired others not only with bold action and courage but with kindness and humor. His interest in the larger world and his respect for human rights as well as his courage continue to inspire me.”
The Yom HaShoah event will be at 4 PM at the Jewish Community Center at 851 N. Maitland Avenue. The general public is welcomed, and there is no admission charged. The program will also include traditional music, candle-lighting, and awards for the winners of the 2013 Yom HaShoah Student Creative Arts Contest.
More information can be found at www.holocaustedu.org or phone 407-628-0555
