Wallenberg saved 100,000 Jews in WW2, but was disappeared by Soviet communists on this day 81 years ago.

“I will never be able to go back to Sweden without knowing inside myself that I'd done all a man could do to save as many Jews as possible.” - Raoul Wallenberg, Letter and Dispatches 1924 - 1944 

Raoul Wallenberg (Aug. 4, 1912 - disappeared Jan. 17, 1945)

 Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat saved 100,000 Jews in Hungary, according to the World Jewish Congress. He was imprisoned and disappeared by Soviet military intelligence (MERSH) after the war 81 years ago today.

Today is Raoul Wallenberg Day in Canada in honor of his courageous example. Irwin Cotler, a Canadian member of parliament, in an OpEd in The Jerusalem Post last year, described the rescue carried out by Wallenberg:

"From mid-May to the beginning of July 1944, some 440,000 Hungarian Jews were deported to Auschwitz – the fastest, cruelest, and most efficient killing field in the Holocaust. Wallenberg arrived as a member of the Swedish Legation in Budapest in mid-July 1944. In a remarkable demonstration of ingenuity and inspiration, bluff and bravado, he rescued some 100,000 Jews in the last six months of 1944 and the beginning of 1945, more than any other single government or organization."

Nonviolent resistance to the radical evil of the Nazis by courageous Danes and German housewives also worked and saved thousands of Jewish people from the Holocaust.

It should come as no surprise that Wallenberg was abducted by Soviet Communist forces. The Nazis and the Soviets had been partners in the partition and conquest of Poland six years prior, in September 1939. 

Let us honor Raoul Wallenberg for all the lives he saved, and let us also continue to demand justice for this good man, who had his life taken by Josef Stalin.

The Russians refuse to reveal what they did to Wallenberg, and his family has filed a lawsuit against them.

In 2016, Sweden declared him dead.

In honour of #RaoulWallenberg Day, read this poignant piece and interview with @IrwinCotler by @HilleltheScribe

"[Raoul Wallenberg] demonstrated how one person with the compassion to care and the courage to act can prevail over evil.”https://t.co/mw5lfxmg5M

— Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (@TheRWCHR) January 17, 2026

Wallenberg saved 100,000 Jews in WW2, but was disappeared by Soviet communists on this day 80 years ago.

 “I will never be able to go back to Sweden without knowing inside myself that I'd done all a man could do to save as many Jews as possible.” - Raoul Wallenberg, Letter and Dispatches 1924 - 1944 

Raoul Wallenberg (Aug. 4, 1912 - disappeared Jan. 17, 1945)

Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat saved 100,000 Jews in Hungary, according to the World Jewish Congress. He was imprisoned and disappeared by Soviet military intelligence (MERSH) after the war 80 years ago today.

Today is Raoul Wallenberg Day in Canada in honor of his couragous example. Irwin Cotler, a Canadian member of parliament, in an OpEd in The Jerusalem Post, described the rescue carried out by Wallenberg:

"From mid-May to the beginning of July 1944, some 440,000 Hungarian Jews were deported to Auschwitz – the fastest, cruelest, and most efficient killing field in the Holocaust. Wallenberg arrived as a member of the Swedish Legation in Budapest in mid-July 1944. In a remarkable demonstration of ingenuity and inspiration, bluff and bravado, he rescued some 100,000 Jews in the last six months of 1944 and the beginning of 1945, more than any other single government or organization."

Nonviolent resistance to the radical evil of the Nazis by courageous Danes and German housewives also worked and saved thousands of Jewish people from the Holocaust.

It should come as no surprise that Wallenberg was abducted by Soviet Communist forces. The Nazis and the Soviets had been partners in the partition and conquest of Poland six years prior, in September 1939. 

Today, on #RaoulWallenberg Commemorative Day, we honour the enduring legacy of Swedish diplomat and hero of the Holocaust Raoul Wallenberg, a hero who refused to be a bystander. We also mark 80 years since his disappearance into the Soviet Gulag- a profound and ongoing injustice.… pic.twitter.com/54p7TdQRFb

— Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (@TheRWCHR) January 17, 2025

Let us honor Raoul Wallenberg for all the lives he saved, and let us also continue to demand justice for him, who had his life taken by Josef Stalin. The Russians refuse to reveal what they did to Wallenberg, and his family has filed a lawsuit against them. In 2016, Sweden declared him dead. 

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the disappearance of Raoul Wallenberg.

Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg displayed outstanding civil courage and bravery when he saved tens of thousands of Jews from the Holocaust.

Let us honour his memory by continuing to stand up against… pic.twitter.com/CgdhQlI8UY

— Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (@SweMFA) January 17, 2025

Wallenberg at 78: Saved 140,000 Jews in WW2, but disappeared by Soviet communist troops

“I will never be able to go back to Sweden without knowing inside myself that I'd done all a man could do to save as many Jews as possible.” - Raoul Wallenberg, Letter and Dispatches 1924 - 1944 

Raoul Wallenberg (August 4, 1912 - disappeared January 17, 1945)

Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat saved 140,000 Jews in Hungary, according to the World Jewish Congress. He was imprisoned and disappeared by Soviet troops after the war 78 years ago today.

Today is Raoul Wallenberg Day in Canada in honor of his couragous example. Irwin Cotler, a Canadian member of parliament, in an OpEd last year in Haaretz, described the last and most dramatic rescue carried out by Wallenberg:

"As the Nazis advanced on Budapest and threatened to blow up the city’s ghetto and liquidate the remaining Jews, [Wallenberg] put the Nazi generals on notice that they would be held accountable and brought to justice, if not executed, for their war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Nazi generals desisted. Some 70,000 more Jews were saved, thanks to the indomitable courage of one person prepared to confront radical evil."

Nonviolent resistance to the radical evil of the Nazis by courageous Danes and German housewives also worked and saved thousands of Jewish people from the Holocaust.

It is no surprise that it was Soviet Communist troops who disappeared Wallenberg. Six years earlier, in September 1939, the Nazis and the Soviets had been allies in the division and conquest of Poland.  

Please join the @MuseeHolocauste and @TheRWCHR from January 17-19 for a special virtual screening of the documentary Passage to Sweden (@passagetosweden), in honour of #RaoulWallenberg Day.

Register here to watch the #film: https://t.co/sV3tezCeRD https://t.co/Hlv1I9HsVc

— Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights (@TheRWCHR) January 16, 2023

Let us honor Raoul Wallenberg for all the lives he saved, and let us also continue to demand justice for him, who had his life taken by Josef Stalin. The Russians refuse to reveal what they did to Wallenberg, and his family has filed a lawsuit against them. In 2016, Sweden declared him dead. 

Each year, on 17 January, we honour the memory of Raoul Wallenberg. The Swedish diplomat saved tens of thousands of Jews from the Holocaust.

Join us in lighting a candle today for Raoul, his humanitarian deeds and human solidarity! pic.twitter.com/sTyxeGHUu0

— Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs (@SweMFA) January 17, 2023

Wallenberg at 75: Saved 140,000 Jews in WW2, but disappeared by Soviet communist troops

“I will never be able to go back to Sweden without knowing inside myself that I'd done all a man could do to save as many Jews as possible.” - Raoul Wallenberg, Letter and Dispatches 1924 - 1944

Raoul Wallenberg (August 4, 1912 - disappeared January 17, 1945)

Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat saved 140,000 Jews in Hungary, according to the World Jewish Congress. Seventy five years ago today he was imprisoned and disappeared by Soviet troops after the war.

Today is Raoul Wallenberg Day in Canada in honor of his couragous example. Irwin Cotler, a Canadian member of parliament, in an OpEd today in Haaretz, described the last and most dramatic rescue carried out by Wallenberg:

"As the Nazis advanced on Budapest and threatened to blow up the city’s ghetto and liquidate the remaining Jews, [Wallenberg] put the Nazi generals on notice that they would be held accountable and brought to justice, if not executed, for their war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Nazi generals desisted. Some 70,000 more Jews were saved, thanks to the indomitable courage of one person prepared to confront radical evil."

Nonviolent resistance to the radical evil of the Nazis by courageous Danes and German housewives also worked and saved thousands of Jewish people from the Holocaust.


It is no surprise that it was Soviet Communist troops who disappeared Wallenberg. Six years earlier, in September 1939, the Nazis and the Soviets had been allies in the division and conquest of Poland. 

Let us honor Raoul Wallenberg for all the lives he saved, and let us also continue to demand justice for him, who had his life taken by Josef Stalin. The Russians refuse to reveal what they did to him, and Wallenberg's family has sued the Russians. Sweden declared him dead in 2016.

When the Jews of Budapest were set to be deported in 1944, Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg led an operation to save them. He paid a heavy price for his bravery: Wallenberg was detained, 75 years ago today, and was not seen from again. #WeRemember@UNESCO @AuschwitzMuseum pic.twitter.com/iS6VxCeKJ8

— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) January 17, 2020

Remembering the 1956 Hungarian uprising

Courageous but failed anti-communist uprising

Huge statue of Josef Stalin torn down during the 1956 Hungarian uprising

Sixty years ago today on October 23, 1956 the Hungarian anti-communist revolt began and nineteen days later it was finally crushed by Soviet troops on November 10, 1956 that had invaded six days before. 3,000 Hungarian anti-communists were killed as opposed to 772 Soviets. The free world stood by and watched without lifting a finger. Time Magazine recognized the Hungarian freedom fighter as the 1956 Man of the Year.

It would be another 33 years before Hungary would achieve freedom through a nonviolent uprising and the Soviet statues would be torn down permanently. Nevertheless today we remember those brave men and women who risked all for freedom and in many cases lost their lives.

Freemuse Press Release: Musicians unite in defence of artistic freedom

Music Freedom Day is March 3, 2016 

  Musicians unite in defence of artistic freedom Music Freedom Day 2016 1 March 2016, Copenhagen  |  Artists will perform live in Pakistan, Hungary, Senegal, Sweden, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway on Music Freedom Day, 3 March 2016, in defence of artistic freedom.

Starting in Peshawar, one of the most dangerous places in the world for musicians, Music Freedom Day activities will be marked in many countries with concerts, seminars, film screenings, radio programmes and newspaper articles on the subject of freedom of expression for musicians.

Established by Freemuse in 2007, the annual Music Freedom Day is a powerful, united manifestation to support persecuted, prosecuted and imprisoned musicians, many of whose only crime has been to have spoken up against authorities and insist on the right to express themselves through their music.

There are many reasons to focus on the right to freedom of musical expression. As an example, just this week, on 29 February 2016, three Iranian artists were each sentenced to three years in prison, three years of probation and a hefty fine for the production and promotion of underground music.

“Music Freedom Day is dedicated to freedom of musical expression, which is not only a right for musicians to create and perform, but also a right for audiences to attend and enjoy concerts. Iran is violating these rights,” says Ole Reitov, Freemuse Executive Director.

Attacks on music affect entire societies. Musicians and songwriters are being killed, persecuted and imprisoned more than any other artists. In 2015 Freemuse documented 309 cases of censorship and attacks on music and musicians. Audiences who want to experience live music are also more at risk.
“This year, Music Freedom Day especially commemorates the victims of the attack at the Bataclan Club in Paris in November 2015,” Reitov said.

The horrible attacks in Paris are a harsh reminder that groups inspired by religious fundamentalism are willing to make use of the most brutal violence to stop music. The Taleban made a total ban on music in Afghanistan in the 1990’s, the jihadist group MUJAO copied this in Mali in 2012 and several websites promote ideas of music being “haram” or the “tool of the devil”.

In the lead-up to Music Freedom Day, Freemuse has compiled a playlist of banned songs on Spotify and presents a music video for a unique track with a group of today’s most powerful Arab and Iranian revolutionary artists joining together to cover Fela Kuti’s most powerful political song: ‘Zombie’. Several of the artists featured in the video will perform live during Music Freedom Day in Harstad, Norway.

A special audio track featuring Mali’s Songhoy Blues with special guests is available to broadcasters worldwide upon request. Recorded by Mark LeVine, the group has made a new version of one of Fela Kuti’s most famous grooves ‘Shakara’, with new lyrics written by the band riffing off the original’s condemnation of the rich Nigerians who showed off their wealth as so many suffered in grinding poverty. Songhoy Blues’ version of ‘Shakara’ takes Fela’s Afrobeat in a new, Malian-driven direction.

Songhoy Blues is also featured in the documentary ‘They Will Have To Kill Us First – Malian Music in Exile’, which will be released in the USA as part of Music Freedom Day.

Original link: http://freemuse.org/archives/11825

Five points to consider about the Cuban Adjustment Act

"Whoever is elected leader of the empire should not ignore that Cuba demands the total removal of the murderous Cuban Adjustment Act..." - Fidel Castro, July 26, 2000

Refugees massacred by the Castro regime in 1994. Still happens in 2015

1. Cuba is subjected to a totalitarian, communist regime that systematically denies Cubans their rights, including the right to enter and exit their own country. On December 16, 2014, the Cuban coast guard rammed and sank a boat with 32 refugees, one of them, Diosbel Díaz Bioto, went missing and is presumed dead. The rest were repatriated and detained. Less than four months later, Yuriniesky Martínez Reina (age 28) was shot in the back and killed by state security chief Miguel Angel Río Seco Rodríguez in the Martí municipality of Matanzas, Cuba, for peacefully trying to leave Cuba. The Castro regime for decades has engaged in the murder of fleeing refugees. A particularly egregious, well documented, example is the July 13, 1994 "13 de Marzo" tugboat massacre in which 37 men, women and children were killed.

Yuriniesky Martínez Reina, in orange, with his dad and son (L). Shot in the back (R)

2. The Castro regime and its agents of influence have been and continue to demand the repeal of the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) claiming that it is this law and not the repressive nature of the regime that provokes massive immigration. The dictatorship denounces it claiming that "from the very beginning, the Cuban Adjustment Act reflected a discriminatory and immoral stance against the Cuban people."

3. Ending the Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) will assist the Castro regime in maintaining control of an enslaved population. Not only in Cuba, but also in third countries where they are sent in slave-like conditions to work for the Castro regime in order to profit the Castro family and a tight nucleus of elites in the military and intelligence apparatus. The New York Times echoes the complaint of the Castro regime, protesting policies that allow Cuban doctors working under inhuman conditions to get to the United States.  In 2008 The Miami Herald reported that "more than 31,000 Cuban health workers -- most of them doctors -- who toil in 71 countries brought in $2.3 billion last year, ..., more than any other industry, including tourism. Most of them are paid $150 to $375 a month, a small percentage of the cash or trade benefits the Cuban government pockets in exchange for theirwork."

Cuban health care workers sent abroad in slave-like conditions

 4. Since 2000 there has been large scale trade between American companies and the Castro regime. The Castro regime used openings in trade from the Clinton era (medical products in 1992 and agricultural products in 2000)  to build up a pro-Castro lobby and to target congressional districts in agricultural states to advance its interests. The dictatorship accomplished this by purchasing American exports and requiring U.S. corporations and members of Congress to sign "advocacy contracts" that turned them into lobbyists for the dictatorship as a condition of the Castro regime buying their goods. Trade between these companies and the Castro regime reached their peak in 2008 totaling five billion dollars by 2015 but trade levels crashed during the Obama administration.  The dictatorship is demanding an end to the trade embargo (opening up credits that would leave American taxpayers holding the bag) and an end to the Cuban Adjustment Act.  Two of the Republicans pushing for the end of the Cuban Adjustment Act, Walter Jones of North Carolina and Ted Poe of Texas are also advocates of ending the embargo on the Castro regime and providing those doing business with the dictatorship export financing credits.

Cuban rafters fleeing a repressive totalitarian regime

5. Cubans, despite the rhetoric, do not have a special privilege but rather special circumstances that led to the Cuban Adjustment Act that unfortunately are not historically unique. The 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act  was not the first such measure, the Hungarian Escape Act of 1958 granted Hungarians refugee status predates it by eight years. Nor was it the last, the Indochina Migration and Refugee Act of 1975 granted refugees from the conflict in South East Asia special status. The United States has had an immigration policy favoring those leaving communist states.

Conclusion:  Cubans are fleeing the Castro regime because it is a communist, totalitarian dictatorship that systematically denies their human rights. The Cuban dictatorship has had a long term policy goal of repealing the Cuban Adjustment Act and the ability of Cubans working for them under slave-like conditions to flee to freedom in the United States. Unfortunately, ending the Cuban Adjustment Act will complement the Obama Administration's policy of normalizing relations with the communist dictatorship in Cuba at the expense of the freedom and well being of the Cuban people. This will also have the unintended effect of provoking an exodus from the island.