Three embassies to celebrate the life of Raoul Wallenberg
Foreign Minister Bob Carr will be the special guest of the Israeli, Swedish and Hungarian embassies at a ceremony to commemorate Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg.
Raoul Wallenberg
The life and legacy of a man who transcended geographic, political and humanitarian borders will be memorialised in Canberra on Monday 26 November at the Australian National University.
Swedish-born diplomat Raoul Wallenberg was bestowed the title ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ for his noble and heroic work issuing protective passports and providing shelter to Jews in Nazi occupied Hungary during the Second World War. His efforts are credited with saving the lives of tens of thousands from death and deportation.
One century after his birth, Wallenberg is held in profound global esteem and events commemorating his life have occurred around Australia and the world in 2012.
Canberra was selected by the embassies of Sweden, Israel and Hungary to host a special event unveiling a memorial plantation and plaque, which will be attended by Foreign Minister Bob Carr.
The university is an ideal location for the memorial given its capacity to link students with lessons from the past; allowing them to shape a future imbued with the experience of humanity throughout history.
On November 26, ten maple and pine trees will be planted on the grounds of the Australian National University to represent the decades passed since his birth and as an enduring symbol of life and growth; transporting the memory and spirit of Wallenberg to Canberra.
Erwin Forrester who survived the war thanks to a Swedish “Schutzpass” issued by Wallenberg will attend the event and display this pass. His granddaughter, Rebecca Carpenter who studied at the ANU will share his personal story at the event.
Because of him a lot of us are alive. Thanks to GOD and Raoul.