Raoul Wallenberg

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish architect and diplomat. He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1912. During World War II, he went to Hungary to save Jewish people from the Holocaust. He is credited with saving tens of thousands of lives.

Early Life

Wallenberg came from a wealthy and important Swedish family. He studied architecture in the United States. He worked in business and traveled around Europe. In 1944, he was sent to Budapest, Hungary, on a mission to save Jewish lives.

Rescue Mission

Wallenberg created special protective passports for Jewish people in Budapest. He set up safe houses where people could hide. He personally confronted Nazi officers to stop them from taking people away. He saved an estimated 100,000 lives before Soviet forces arrested him in 1945. He was never seen again.

Fun Facts

• Raoul Wallenberg saved an estimated 100,000 Jewish lives in Hungary.
• He created a special 'protective passport' that kept people safe from the Nazis.
• He was only 32 years old when he went on his rescue mission.

Did You Know?

Raoul Wallenberg was made an honorary citizen of the United States, Canada, Australia, and Israel. He is one of only a few people to hold this honor in so many countries.