Chiune Sugihara
Japan

In 1939 the Japanese Government named Chiune Consul General to Lithuania. In September of that year his diplomatic life became quite complicated. Nearby Poland was invaded by the German Army, and Lithuania was annexed by the Soviet Union. A steady flow of Polish Jews crossed the border seeking refuge in Lithuania. Since they could not stay in that country, three links in a rescue chain were needed to pull them out of harm's way: a nation willing to receive refugees, an entry permit to that country, and a transit visa allowing them to get there.

The Soviet Union was agreeable to having Jewish refugees cross their country, but only with proper documentation. Chiune provided this crucial link. Though Japan forbade the issuance of transit visas, Chiune chose to follow his deep commitment to the his neighbors. With help from his wife, Yokiko, he issued over 300 handwritten visas per day. This enabled thousands of Jews to cross the Soviet Union to Japan and then to safety elsewhere.

In 1947 Chiune was dismissed from the Japanese Foreign Service. His legacy as a rescuer was lost until 1969 when one of those he rescued testified about Chiune's role in saving many, many Jews.