Raoul Wallenberg DayDear Teachers,For years, the Raoul Wallenberg International Movement for Humanity (RWIMH) has been striving for Raoul Wallenberg’s recognition and specifically for the declaration of Raoul Wallenberg Day in a number of countries. Our movement was successful in Canada. On June 5, 2001 the Canadian Parliament made the following declaration: “As of 2002, January 17 of each year will be known as Raoul Wallenberg Commemorative Day.” Who was Raoul Wallenberg? He was a Swedish diplomat who struggled against Hitler’s policy of annihilating Jews during WWII, a rescuer of 100,000 men, women, and children who were facing certain death at the hands of the Nazis, a symbol of justice and humanity of the Holocaust era. Raoul Wallenberg is an international hero who was declared an honorary citizen of the United States, Canada, and Israel, and recently of Budapest. This great man is also a victim of a totalitarian Soviet regime, having been secretly arrested by the Soviets on January 17, 1945 and never again seen as a free man. We continue to search for the truth concerning his fate. January 17, the date of his arrest, was proposed by RWIMH to be a Raoul Wallenberg Day in Canada. This day reminds us of dark times, of a high-minded Swede who epitomizes mutual respect, understanding and care between peoples of differing origin and religion, of a hero who demonstrated that one man can make a difference. Wallenberg’s imprisonment has become an important issue in the struggle for human rights throughout the world. Why is Raoul Wallenberg’s recognition of utmost significance for us? Now principles of humanity – the basis of democracy – are under attack. Do we have the right to be passive or silent and remain standing on the sidelines? Raoul Wallenberg helps us to answer this question. He inspires us to act, to intervene, to struggle against injustice, intolerance, prejudice and humiliation. Raoul Wallenberg’s example conveys a particularly strong message to young people, as it provides a striking example of selflessness, compassion and commitment to justice – the qualities we all hope to develop in our children. It is an excellent role model for students. RWIMH prepared educational material describing Raoul Wallenberg's life and heroic deeds, the history of his recognition as an outstanding humanitarian. The following page designed by Helena Kogen is aimed at helping to mark Raoul Wallenberg Day in schools. It includes the Raoul Wallenberg Lesson especially written for our Movement by Sylvia Stipelman. I hope that this material will assist in active participation of schools in the national tribute to Raoul Wallenberg, Canada's first honorary citizen. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions and comments. Dr. Vera Parnes January 4, 2005 1 Cummings Square, Room 306 |
To the Educator’s AttentionBelow you will find numerous suggestions for educative activities that will help you to mark the Fourth Raoul Wallenberg Commemorative Day in your school:
Feedback:Your opinion, observations and critique are very important for us. We will greatly appreciate any story concerning the RW Day in your school. Has our material helped you organize an interesting and purposeful commemorative event? What material should be changed/expanded/left out and in what way? Were your students eager to learn more about Raoul Wallenberg? Please write us at wallenberg@federationcja.org Follow-up:This presentation is just the first step of our large-scale educative project aiming at the Secondary school students and sponsored by the Canadian Heritage Ministry. It will include a comprehensive colorful brochure and a CD-Rom packed with interactive and multimedia features. If you are interested in receiving this package FREE OF CHARGE, please fill out a reservation form. |