Aristides de Sousa Mendes gave visas to an estimated 10,000 Jewish refugees as the Nazis rose to power in Europe, after which he was called back to Lisbon, blacklisted and subsequently fell into poverty
Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands during Holocaust honored with plaza in Jerusalem jta.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from jta.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Mendes issued roughly 30,000 visas and passports to refugees who fled Nazi Germany – including 10,000 visas to Jews fleeing their certain death in Europe.
Aristides de Sousa Mendes defied his country's dictator and provided visas to people in France fleeing Nazi persecution; mayor says plaza 'now carries the name of a hero'