Liberal Statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day

January 17, 2014

MONTRÉAL— Liberal Rights, Freedoms, and International Justice Critic, Irwin Cotler, today issued the following statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day:

“Today, Canadians are called upon to learn about, reflect upon, and act on the incredible courage and humanity of Swedish diplomat and humanitarian, Raoul Wallenberg.

“While serving as a Swedish diplomat in Hungary in 1944, Wallenberg helped to rescue tens of thousands of Jews from Nazi persecution. Facing tremendous personal risk with conviction and ingenuity, Wallenberg is credited with saving some 100,000 Jews in five months from the horrors of the Holocaust – more than any single government or organization.

“In 1985, Canada celebrated this inspirational figure by making Raoul Wallenberg our first honorary citizen. Today, Canadians continue to honour Wallenberg’s legacy by reaffirming our steadfast commitment to the promotion of human rights around the globe.

“While Wallenberg saved so many, he was not saved by so many who could. His fate remains unknown, and it is a moral imperative and historic responsibility to uncover the truth of what happened to this great hero of humanity.

“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I encourage all Canadians to join in the celebration a man who, with the compassion to care and the courage to act, overcame monstrous evil. May his legacy serve as an example and inspiration to us all.”