National Raoul Wallenberg Day in Sweden

In an article which appeared in the pages of the Swedish Newspaper Dagens Nyheter, Minister Liljeroth, as well as other Swedish politicians and diplomats, expressed the need for a specific annual remembrance of the figure who was Raoul Wallenberg. Their position was supported by Wallenberg’s sister, Nina Lagergren.

According to the article, the establishment of a Raoul Wallenberg Day will constitute a reminder , lasting all year,of the activities of the great diplomat. 2012 was the Swedish Year of Raoul Wallenberg, linking it with the year which would have seen his 100th birthday.Swedish authorities initiated many anniversary celebrations, as well as educational activities. Some also took place in Poland. In May 2012, The Polish Righteous – Recalling Forgotten History project  ran workshops, for Warsaw youth, dedicated to the life of Wallenberg.

Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who, during World War II between the years 1944-1945, saved over ten thousand Jews in Budapest. He issued them with false passports, thanks to which they were saved from being transported to extermination camps.

In January 1945, he was arrested by the Red Army. He never returned from the Soviet Union. One theory about his disappearance is that he knew about the crimes that took place in Katyń.

One of the first initiatives prior to the establishment in Sweden of Raoul Wallenberg Day was the appearance, in 2006, of a Foundation in his name.