The Foundation Of The “War Refugee Board“ Until 1944 the Allies played no active part in the fate of the European Jewish Community. In January 1944 th „War Refugee Board“ was funded by U.S. president Roosevelt. The board was also…
Raoul Wallenberg proposed some new demands. The prime minister agreed to his demands. Wallenbergs appointment to the Diplomatic Corp. Filled him with pride: “When a Wallenberg is chosen to serve his country abroad, it is his duty to live up…
Arrival in Budapest On the 9th of July 1944 Raoul Wallenberg arrived in Budapest. First he informed himself about previous Swedish measures taken to help the Jews. 650 Jews who had a strong bond to Sweden, were given passports. These…
Within one month 40 people were occupied with the distribution of the passes. Anyone who could prove either a business or family connection with Sweden got the special pass. The restrictions were necessary otherwise the pass would be worthless if…
Horthy Stopped Deportation Eichmann was planning a new deportation transport for the Budapest Jews. As Wallenberg discovered this he commissioned a meeting of the heads of the diplomatic services from the neutral states. This was directed by Nuntius Angelo Rotta.…
The Failed Ceasefire In order to trick the Russians Horthy planned a ceasefire. On the 15th of October, in a radio broadcast he announced the war was over. The joy and jubilation by the Jews was premature. The Germans kidnapped…
There were many attacks made on the „Refuge Houses“ resulting in Jewish deaths. On hearing about such attacks, Wallenberg made his way to the houses. His presence alone stopped the Arrow Cross gangs. There were many times he didn´t get…
Germany Demanded Hungarian Enforced Labour Two days following the Arrow Cross coup, Adolf Eichmann returned to Budapest. He wished to complete his task: To exterminate the „Budapest Jews“. The German envoy Veesenmayer drew up an agreement with Vajina. 50.000 Jews…
The Jews that were not rescued from the convoys, ended up in concentration camps, mainly Dachau and Mauthausen. In November 1944, according to a statement from Veesenmayer, 27.000 Jews, both male and female, headed for the Empire. A daily average…
Enforced Labour Battalion No. 701 Following the revolt in October 1944 many Jews were arrested and sent to „Enforced Labour“ contingents, many of which were „protected Jews“. Following protests and efforts from the legation department of the neutral countries, a…