Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a diplomat for Portugal, with an office in Bordeaux, France. With Hitler and his armies creeping across Europe, many Jews sought visas for Portugal. The prime minister denied Mendes permission or did not reply to his requests. Although he knew it would affect him and his family negatively, Mendes disobeyed the prime minister and signed thousands of visas from January 1, 1940 into June, 1940. When the Nazis invaded France, many Jewish refugees tried to escape to Portugal. He decided to issue visas and signed thousands over twenty-three days. He also led the refugees on back roads to avoid the check points and forged passports for Jewish refugees. These actions eventually cost him his career, his home, and his family's status.
A couple of famous people who owe their lives to him: Salvador Dali, Marget Rey & H.A. Rey.
*Highly recommend. I would even share this book with high schoolers even though it would be an easy read for them. Mendes is an inspiring person.
-Borrowed via ILL.
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