(Jewish Group) Chiuna Sugihara: The Japanese diplomat who proved 'even one person can change the world'
This week, thousands of people from around the world, from Holocaust survivors to kings and heads of state, descended on Auschwitz-Birkenau to commemorate 80 years since the death camps liberation. Similarly, a smaller, likewise meaningful commemoration took place at ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv.
The museum, in collaboration with the Israel-Japan Friendship Society and the Embassy of Japan in Israel, hosted an event marking the 125th anniversary of the birth of the sole Japanese recipient of the title Righteous Among the Nations: Chiune (Sempo) Sugihara.
The event featured an insightful lecture by Yossi Krichely, former international affairs adviser to Yaotsu Municipality, Japan (Sugiharas birthplace), and a representative of the Sugihara Museum, detailing his lifes journey, as well as a musical performance titled Tikkun Olam, featuring a blend of Jewish and Japanese music.
Madoka Sugihara, Sugiharas granddaughter, stated via a pre-recorded video message, I would like to convey my gratitude for holding an event in my grandfathers memory and in honor of the 125th anniversary of his birth.
Recently, a survivors family came to visit Japan from Canada. One visa saved a young couple, and now their family has 25 members. It is estimated that the number of people alive today, thanks to the visas issued by my grandfather, is as high as 250,000.
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