The Rescue of Jews during WW2 and Tragic Disappearance | Raoul Wallenberg

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The year is 1944. The second World War is in full swing and around the territories occupied by Nazi Germany, Jews and others considered undesirables by the Nazi regime are rounded up and sent to concentration camps, awaiting certain death. Raoul Gustav Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat, voluntarily travelled to Hungary in order to save Hungarian Jews from the Nazis. He saved the lives of thousands of Jews while in Hungary, providing them with temporary Swedish passports and preventing the massacre of the largest Jewish ghetto in Budapest. As the war was coming to an end and the Russians entered Budapest, he was arrested. He disappeared shortly thereafter and it is nearly certain he died in a Soviet prison, though there never has been a definitive conclusion regarding his case. So, who was this man, a hero that dared take a stand in the face of one of the biggest evils mankind has ever seen, only to disappear thereafter?
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Time Codes:
1:12 Ancestry and Life Before WW2
2:50 Hungary During WW2
5:14 Wallenberg to Budapest
8:14 Disappearance
10:31 Investigations
13:07 Death Declaration
13:46 Awards
Sources:
Kovacs, Eszter. "Raoul Wallenberg: The Vanished Hero of Budapest." In 2015 Phi Alpha Theta Tennessee Regional Conference. 2015.
Jewish Virtual Library: www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/...
Raoul Wallenberg Institute: rwi.lu.se/about/about-raoul-w...

[@janiceduke1205]

Wallenberg: A Hero's Story a 1985 Emmy awarded-winning miniseries starring Richard Chamberlain. He is credited with saving nearly 100,000 lives, one-eighth of Hungary's Jewish community, more people than were rescued by any other individual or institution in Europe. He demonstrated a boundless talent for compassion. He worked with Per Anger a Swedish diplomat & he was one of the most exemplary individuals of the twentieth century. First victim of the Cold War and an honorary citizen of the United States. On November 26, 1963, Yad Vashem recognized Raoul Wallenberg as Righteous Among the Nations. Hero without a grave.

[@jonathannixon8652]

Yes him and Carl Lutz saved the most lives.

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady]

May he RIP and never be forgotten. 😢💔🕊️

[@winkieblink7625]

Not much is talked about Wallenberg anymore. This was one person I studied in school in the 1970’s. It bothers me that he was absorbed into the masses of Russian POW population (which he never should have been arrested by Russia)…..and then to be lost, but NOT forgotten. Bless him and the good work he did to save thousands of doomed Hungarians and other Europeans. To this day I can’t fathom or imagine the daily terror ppl lived through in Europe during WWII. Unimaginable. TY for your story.

[@Elly3981]

Wallenberg is remembered by many for his heroism. I especially feel sorry for his mother who died without ever knowing what became of her son. She actually has a premonition that something bad would happen to him if he went to the Russians and unfortunately, he did not listen when she begged him not to go.

[@n0namesowhatblerp362]

I visited LA in 2012 and close to where my motel was, there was a statue of him. He is remembered.

[@bmwall2222]

From a swedish american, i love this story. His heroic story to free hungarian jews is an inspiration all. .william Wallberg

[@frederickthegreatpodcast382]

Very interesting topic and also tragic, keep up the good work!

[@heikkijhautanen4576]

This just shows how big influence one good Man can have In a world gone crazy!!! :)

[@n0namesowhatblerp362]

So very true! But lets not forget, this was only possible due to the swedish politicans of the time playing both sides in a way to create the least about of casuality for its own poipulatiuon,. whilst beign able to help so many others. 70.000 finnish war children.- 8.000 danish jews (95 percent of the jewish population denmark)

[@IndianSummer20]

Thank you so much for this very informative video. You are doing a great job. Best regards. Greetings from Norway. ❤

[@Artur_M.]

Great video! People like Wallenberg definitely deserve to be better known. While I did know about him and his work, I somehow didn't hear about his tragic fate. BTW have you heard about Henryk Sławik, called by some "the Polish Wallenberg"? He was a Polish politician, diplomat, and social worker, who after the fall of Poland in '39 ended up in Budapest, creating the Citizen's Committee for Help for Polish Refugees, which also provided help for Polish Jews. In March '44 he went underground but was eventually arrested by Germans and murdered in the KL Gusen.

[@HoH]

I didn’t know about him. Lots of individual feats of heroism and courage during WW2 have been forgotten. I’ll read up on him! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@DaveSCameron]

Indeed, there is at least 5 times etched about him and one prominent moving picture at least but evidently he took such selfless risks he demands to be revered. Great comment thanks.

[@kerrymarshall1293]

Thanks for your info,

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

@@Artur_M, thanks for this!

[@Joy-TheLazyCatLady]

He was so young but he did so much. What a truly good human. This is a sad and tragic story. RIP Raoul Wallenberg! 😢💔🕊️🌍🇺🇸

[@brokenbridge6316]

I've never heard of this guy. So glad he was honored for what he did. Shame he didn't live to see these honors.

[@jonathannixon8652]

There's a three hour film about his time in Hungry Budapest.

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

@@jonathannixon8652 Oh my gosh, thank you, I’m going to look for it. These stores are so inspirational.

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

@Brokenbridge, I agree with you, although, some didn’t want their deeds to be known by others. So many of the holocaust heroes died in poverty or in a bad life situation, but because of what they did, when it comes to what matters, they all died rich. ❤

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@PeaceIsYeshua---That's a lovely sentiment

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

@@brokenbridge6316 Aww, thank you. God bless you! 🙏🏻❤️

[@nursedaniel72]

I enjoyed your informative video about a brilliant man. And you have a great voice for broadcast and are very easy on the eye too. .😉😍

[@edwardsaint-ivan4421]

My dad the Late Andor Szentivanyi stood next to Wallenberg saving the Jews of Budapest.

[@csf7773]

Please, more information about his story. I love Wallenberg and everything he did

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

That’s amazing. You must be so incredibly proud of what your dad did. ❤

[@DaveSCameron]

I really enjoy these uploads of your good self, it's evident you are not only talented but have what I consider the necessary passion for this crucial aspect of our history, after all if we're not aware of our history then life's a mystery and to a native such as yourself from an Englishman here I wish you the very best.

[@sweengausfam2261]

Great video! Keep up the good work!

[@Apeshaft]

Interesting topic! And also a very cool retro looking record player combined with some sort of 8-track player at the bottom of the orange player? Or is the bottom thing just a handle to carry it with you to impress your friends during the 1960's or early 70's? Sorry for going a bit off track regarding topic here... Off 8-track you chould say?

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

So many of the holocaust heroes died in poverty or in a bad life situation, which doesn’t seem fair, but because of what they did, when it comes to what matters, they all died rich. ❤ What amazing people they all were, and some, after the war, didn’t want any recognition, which I think is so admirable. They risked their lives for people they didn’t even know. *These people displayed some of the greatest acts of love & bravery that surely the world has ever know.* ❤❤

[@csf7773]

I think there's also a principle that some of the most righteous, of whom the world is not worthy, die in a very unfair manner, but their blood paves the way for the freedom of those who come after them. Jesus. MLK Jr. Every soldier.

[@PeaceIsYeshua]

@@csf7773 So true, and thank you for bringing me back to this comment, which I had already forgotten about, and back to this video. I’ll have to watch it again soon. Blessings to you. 🙏🏻

[@waynerobert7986]

He was an incredible man. One correction. The German military occupation of Hungary in March 1944 was named Operation Margrethe. The German backed coup which installed Ferenc Szalasi and the Arrow Cross Party as a puppet government was called Operation Panzerfaust in early October 1944.

[@nathansheldonlance]

Thank you for telling this story

[@dleddy14]

Well done!

[@Elly3981]

There have been former Soviet prisoners who claimed to have seen Wallenberg in prison all the way up into the 1980s. If he is still alive today, he'd be well over 100.

[@brokenbridge6316]

This story reminded me of the American Journalist who intentionally went out of his way to finance an escape route for Jewish people straight into Spain. He also reported Nazi atrocities to his superiors in the US. He was no less brave than the people who also tried to help the Jews.

[@jfournerat1274]

Are you referring to Varian Fry?

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@jfournerat1274---Maybe. Was the man a dead ringer for Clark Cent in his photo? Because I remember what he looked like more than his name. But if not. I'll try to remember this guy's name.

[@jfournerat1274]

@@brokenbridge6316 well Varian Fry did wear glasses and it looked like he had black hair kind of like how Clark Kent does so yeah it is him.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@jfournerat1274---Thanks for telling me his name. I had forgotten it. Too bad their isn't more on this guy.

[@jfournerat1274]

@@brokenbridge6316 there is actually probably some information on him in Google.

[@frederickthegreatpodcast382]

Honestly Miklós Horthy would be an interesting topic

[@HoH]

It's funny you say that - I am currently working on the 'forgotten revolution' of 1919 in Hungary. It was the defeat of the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919 that eventually led to Horthy becoming Regent of Hungary. Very interesting idea, I truly enjoy Hungarian history so Miklós Horthy may be a topic in the future! Thank you for your comment, as always! I really appreciate the suggestions and support.

[@Herman47]

I believe Albert Einstein himself nominated Raoul Wallenberg for the Nobel Peace Prize.

[@csf7773]

He did, and Wallenberg is Israel's 1st Honorary Citizen. He is also Honorary Citizen of US and Canada

[@mydogbullwinkle]

You are a master of hand gesturing during a presentation. It's effective at keeping the viewer engaged with your video.

[@heismightytosave527]

Focus on this great story...

[@sandykristensen8099]

👍 He was a bigger hero then Schindler! But he was never famous and he did not help for money like Schindler but becorse he was a good man😊

[@heismightytosave527]

God knows the heart and the deeds of a man!

[@carolinependleton8445]

He is my hero,what a man.

[@carolinependleton8445]

There are some people who are heroes due to their human goodness to put others before themselves.

[@mariealexander9545]

what l cant understand is WHY did the Russians arrest him what did he do that was so wrong to be arrested?

[@HoH]

From Wiki: At the height of the fighting, on 17 January 1945, Wallenberg was called to General Malinovsky's headquarters in Debrecen to answer allegations that he was engaged in espionage. Wallenberg's last recorded words were, "I'm going to Malinovsky's ... whether as a guest or prisoner I do not know yet."Documents recovered in 1993 from previously secret Soviet military archives and published in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet show that an order for Wallenberg's arrest was issued by Deputy Commissar for Defence (and future Soviet Premier) Nikolai Bulganin and transmitted to Malinovsky's headquarters on the day of Wallenberg's disappearance. So it seems he was arrested under suspicion of espionage (for the Allied powers).

[@Kiauryme]

@@HoH and because of this suspition he was torture really in very sadistic way. I found this info in two quite reliable sources.

[@gregorybezanson]

One has to remember that Stalin was suspicious of Russian dissidents and anyone who could criticize the Soviet Union. A despot like Stalin with extreme paranoia trusted no one, even members of his own Polit Bureau. How could anyone of good character persuade Stalin and State Security that a man like Raoul Wallenberg could risk his life to simply rescue foreign Jews because he cared about them , complete strangers. The secret police arrested anyone who could be found to have political or military intention against Stalin or The Soviet State. If the GPU, later named the KGB of Committee of State Security, failed to apprehend a suspicious person that later investigation found a real or imagined threat to Stalin, it would look like they were not doing all they could to protect Stalin. They very well could be shot for negligence.

[@shar3066]

Sweden and Russia are arch enemies, raol wasn't the only swedish diplomat to get arrested. However he was executed and some of the others released.

[@nobairavare]

Wallenberg is still known as one of swedens richest family :))

[@matvangogh]

Doesnt matter how he died. It only matters how he lived

[@jonathannixon8652]

What a tragedy of an amazing "Righteous Among The Nations" 🇮🇱🕊️

[@treespirit2000]

Why would the Russians have been at odds with Wallenberg?

[@danvernier198]

His mission to the Swedish legation in Budapest had American financial backing so while he was primarily working on protecting the Jews he was certainly also spying for the allies. Then again the Russians weren't all that hostile to the Americans at the time. It's plausible that they just happened to kill him without really intending to while trying to find out what he was doing there.

[@boreopithecus]

The family is still rich, they control assets worth around 200 billion dollars.

[@jakobibenson4425]

I'm confused. Why was he arrested?

[@air2091]

Soviets didnt need a reason

[@CarlosEspinoza-Malv.]

Creian que era un espia...

[@csf7773]

He went to the liberating Soviets thinking they would now assist getting Hungary back on its feet financially. He had drawn up plans to repair the economy and people's lives after the war. Unfortunately they were convinced he was a spy

[@ThisisBarris]

I find pretty interesting how Germany/the Axis avoided any diplomatic conflict with Switzerland and especially Sweden by avoiding any harm to their Jewish citizens in Axis countries. I mean, would Sweden really take the risk of denouncing Germany had one of their citizens been harmed? Definitely not saying Germany should have treated them differently, just surprised they cared considering all they've done, including breaking treaties. Another great video man and thanks for putting some light on this great man, which, I admit, I had never heard of. The subjects you treat are so unique and fascinating. Just a critique, the book is a nice idea but it sometimes looks too bright compared to the rest of the fame. This is probably exacerbated by your camera focusing on "darker" areas. Not sure how you look fix it (maybe an older/darker book?) though.

[@HoH]

You make a really good point about the book - due to the constant editing and watching the video over and over these are the small things I don't notice anymore. Thanks for pointing it out! The more I read about Wallenberg the more fascinating his story became - someone that did the right thing during one of the evilest times in our history and disappeared, most likely meeting a brutal fate. Very wry. About the nationalities of Jewish citizens in occupied territory: I'm not really sure what the Nazis thought about that. I know that Miklos Horthy did protect Hungarians - Jewish or not. This resulted in the 700,000 Hungarian Jews being -relatively- safe until the Arrow-Cross party became Germany's puppet government in Hungary. Nice observation though, if I ever come across something that sheds light on these diplomatic troubles, I'll let you know!

[@ThisisBarris]

House of History I'm not the master of small details ;) And yes, he is definitely an interesting character and I fear all to many heroes like him have met similar fates, which is a true pity. It's also a shame that he is so little known so yeah, thanks for talking about him man. That's interesting to know. I kind off asssumed anything under the axis had certain conditions you know? And that Germany would enforce its conditions being the "big boy" of the group. Definitely share anything interesting you find man.

[@redwater4778]

The darker areas are the reason the story of Roaul Wallenberg has been shut down.

[@n0namesowhatblerp362]

Sweden sold iron to Germany, which they relied on for their weapon production, so as long as sweden kept selling the iron, Germany did not feel the need to invade. And why waste war resources on a country that you dont find necessary to invade. Im assumign it was considered an unnecessary hassle at that moment and so they let respected the schutzpasses, probably thinking theyll take over sweden eventually anyways and can well deal with it then.

[@lightdampsweetenough2065]

@@HoH Hi. I think there is a few reasons why Germany payed attention in the Swedish case. Sweden has long historical ties to Germany. The *Swedish empire* extended into modern day Germany (mostly cities at the German baltic coast) Our kings during that time wrote their private letters in German and Got mitt uns was the official battle cry of the Swedish army in the 30 years war. The racial aspect is fairly clear. We (swedes) are culturally close to Germany, the dutch etc. This might be the weakest reason. Swedish industry and iron ore was essential to the german war effort so being diplomatic was very important. Sweden transported their divisions to Finland among other things and while the Swedish Army in 1939 was pathetic (especially after donating most of our weapons to Finland) in 1943-44 it was actually a small threat. The population in Sweden was pissed off and turned against Germany when they invaded Denmark and Norway. Invading the neighbours that we love is unacceptable (jk invading is our job)

[@benjamingirlando6825]

Sempo sugihara

[@CarlosEspinoza-Malv.]

Me recordo al caso de Gilberto Bosques , aun que el si tuvo la suerte de sobrevivir...👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHSxqnl-hsmJjqs

[@redwater4778]

Check his families businesses in Sweden ? They may not have been ethical in war years.

[@HoH]

I don’t think you should hold someone responsible for the actions of his/her family. Wallenberg put his life on the line to save thousands of persecuted Jewish people, I think that is worth remembering.

[@godlytrickshots6417]

His family played a huge role into his arrest and abandonment, it’s not well known but the family was one of the reasons for his arrest

[@redwater4778]

@@HoH What particular Jews did he help is the question

[@DaveSCameron]

People in glass houses, He who casts the first stone, A rolling stone gathers no further education....

[@redwater4778]

@@godlytrickshots6417 That is not well known .

[@treespirit2000]

Okay, suspected spy.