In 1944, as Nazi forces hunted down Hungary’s Jews, Swiss diplomat Carl Lutz pulled off one of the largest rescue operations of World War II. From his post in Budapest, he negotiated with German and Hungarian officials to allow 8,000 Jews to immigrate to Palestine. Then he bent the rules: he interpreted that number as 8,000 families instead of individuals.

Lutz and his staff issued tens of thousands of protective papers, placed Jews under Swiss custody, and set up safe houses flying the Swiss flag. By the end of the war, his actions had saved an estimated 62,000 people, more than any other diplomat.

Yet, like many quiet heroes, Lutz returned home to little recognition and even criticism from Swiss authorities for exceeding his mandate. Only later did the world acknowledge the scale of his courage. 

Today, he is honored as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations.”