cHIUNE sUGIHARA
(1900-1986)
"In the course of human existence, many people are tested. Only a few soar as eagles and achieve greatness by simple acts of kindness, thoughtfulness and humanity. This is the story of a man and his wife who, when confronted with evil, obeyed the kindness of their hearts and conscience in defiance of the orders of an indifferent government. These people were Chiune and Yukiko Sugihara who, at the beginning of World War II, by an ultimate act of altruism and self-sacrifice, risked their careers, their livelihood and their future to save the lives of more than 6,000 Jews. This selfless act resulted in the second largest number of Jews rescued from the Nazis." JEWISH VIRTUAL LIBRARY
English Typewriter
"Schindler got into rescuing Jews...to make money off the deal and to his credit saw the horror of it and ended up saving those on his famous list; Raoul Wallenberg, who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews knew that his career was not at risk if he returned to Sweden. What is unique about Siguhara was hat he and his wife were risking their lives and future careers. But when asked why he did it, Sugihara said" I did what we as human beings shoud do." U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale, Tokyo's Jewish Community Center, September 1994.
Medals
"I owe my life and the life of my brother to that great man, Mr. Sugihara. I would not be alive today if he hadn't issued me that visa. There was nothing in it for him. It was an act of pure altruism." Jerry Milrod, Sugihara survivor
Pipes and Ashtrays
"I sensed a Goodness about him. My grandfather always said, "If you look in the eyes of a person, you can see the soul behind them." When I looked at Mr. Sugihara, I had that feeling. He was an amazing person. You could see kindness in his eyes. He had a very calming personality...he was a lighthouse in a sea of darkness." Solly Ganor, Sugihara survivor
Russian Typewriter
"The Nazis murdered my father's three sisters and one of his brothers. I know my dad would be pleased to know that so many people are getting to know Sugihara. On my father's behalf I want to thank this man. I wouldn't be here, my family wouldn't be here, if it weren't for this man. It's pretty overwhelming" Yvonne Rysak, daughter of Sugihara survivor.
Sugihara Family with Consular Staff