Exhibit Honors 64 Diplomats in 22 Countries Who Saved 200,000 Lives During the Holocaust

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted a breakfast celebrating the opening of the United Nations Exhibit, "Visas for Life: The Righteous Diplomats." The photography exhibit is sponsored by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and features pictures of numerous heroic diplomats who were active in saving the lives of over 200,000 Jews and other refugees during the Holocaust. The show opens today at the United Nations Headquarters.

Attending the breakfast at Gracie Mansion was Jan Karski of Poland, one of the surviving four hero diplomats. Also in attendance were Eric Saul, creator and curator of the exhibit; Rabbi David Baron of Temple Shalom for the Arts of Beverly Hills, California; Abe Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League; David Harris representing the American Jewish Committee; Ronald Lauder representing the Jewish National Fund; Edgar Bronfman, Sr. representing the World Jewish Congress; Dr. Israel Singer of the World Jewish Congress; Rabbi Marvin Hier; Abraham Cooper; Valerie Hampton-Mason of the United Nations; Abbe Raven of the History Channel; Mehmet Ulkumen, son of a former Turkish diplomat and Enrico Mantello and Juan Carlos, sons of deceased diplomats.

"We can all draw inspiration from these shining lights who helped illuminate one of history's darkest moments," said Mayor Giuliani. "This exhibit pays tribute to men and women whose courage and compassion must always be remembered."

"Visas for Life: The Righteous Diplomats" honors 64 diplomats from 22 countries by portraying never-before-exhibited historical and archival photographs of the diplomats and the families they rescued. Also on exhibit are several of the visas used to help people escape.

Eric Saul, creator and curator of the exhibit, said, "'Visas for Life: The Righteous Diplomats' is meant to showcase the courageous and selfless acts of these men and women and we are proud to honor them in this meaningful way."

Rabbi David Baron who serves as the Religious Events & Performing Arts Coordinator for the exhibit, said, "We all know the names of the monsters, like Hitler and Eichman, but we don't know the names of the heroes. This exhibit celebrates those who risked their life for the good of humanity."

In addition to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations and Visas for Life: The Righteous Diplomats Project, other sponsors of "Visas for Life: The Righteous Diplomats" include The American Jewish Committee, The Anti-Defamation League, Committee for Righteous Deeds of Temple Shalom for the Arts, The History Channel, The Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, The Jewish National Fund, The Simon Wiesenthal Center, Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, The World Jewish Congress, and Yad Vashem Holocaust Martrys' and Heroes Memorial Remembrance Authority.

"Visas for Life: The Righteous Diplomats" is free and open to the public and runs from April 3 through April 28 at the United Nation's Headquarters' main visitor's center. The show is open seven days a week between the hours of
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

 

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