Today is the annual moment of remembrance of a great human being, a true mensch. Because of his courage and determination, Raoul Wallenberg is considered a pillar of humanity, one of the lamed-vavniks, the thirty-six Tzadikim, the Holy Ones who uphold the world.

   In a time of history when hatred, racism, crime, and sheer indifference to human suffering prevailed, Raoul Wallenberg proved to be a saviour, a champion of humanness. Working against the German desire to destroy Hungarian Jewry, he saved from certain death at least one hundred thousand human beings.

   Raoul Wallenberg, the tzadik, the angel, endangered his life by saving the persecuted. He fought courageously during the dark period of the Second World War against the cruelest criminal regime in the history of humanity.

   He is a symbol of resistance against indifference and hatred. We should remember Raoul Wallenberg as a person who fought courageously for humanity and justice, while expressing contempt for death. Disappearing forever after being taken prisoner by the Soviets in 1945, during his life he projected hope for the persecuted, suffering, and oppressed Jewish people.

May his memory be forever a blessing.