For the first time in Argentine history one of its provinces has devoted a day to the memory of Raoul Wallenberg, Swedish diplomat savior of tens of thousands of people persecuted during the Holocaust.

The decree Nº2242, bearing the signature of Horacio Ricardo Colombí, Governor of the Province of Corrientes, establishes, amongst other concepts, that the 5th. of October of each year will be dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg’s memory, thanks to the proposal made by the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation.

Amongst the reasons that establish this decree, the resolution underlines that ”`probably Wallenberg can be considered as one of the greatest saviours of human lives in history” and that ” the values that inspired Wallenberg are universal pillars that bear up open, free and democratic societies.” The decree also emphasizes that, solidarity and civic courage know no physical or temporary boundaries.

Translation: María Pensavalle

The Ministry of Education of the Argentine province of Cordoba has decided to include the August 4th in the School Yearbook, to commemorate Raoul Wallenberg’s birth, as a respectful tribute for the humanitarian mission of the missing Swedish diplomat.

Through the resolution Nº 805/05, and as an initiative of the International Foundation Raoul Wallenberg, the Minister of Education, Dr Amelia de los Milagros López signed the above mentioned resolution, expressing the following concepts, among others:

”(Wallenberg) is the modern paradigm of the (missing) ”desaparecido” figure, widely notorious in our country”. ”The values that inspired his incomparable mission, are the universal mainstays supporting open-minded, free and democratic societies. Said values are ethical pillars that know no time or geographical bounds”. ”This Ministry should be involved with this request, that is why it is considered advisable to include the August 4th as a commemoration of the birth of Raoul Wallenberg as a respectful tribute for his humanitarian and heroic deed”

Translation: Graciela Forman

On September 14, 2006, the Buenos Aires City Congress passed a law proclaiming August 4th as ”Raoul Wallenberg Day”. For the first time in South America, a capital city dedicates one of the calendar days to remember the deeds of the diplomat that saved tens of thousands of lives during the Holocaust.

The project was fostered by Buenos Aires’ Mayor, Jorge Telerman, following an idea of the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, and was approved by the Culture and Human Rights Commissions of the City House of Representatives.

Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in the US Congress, sent a letter of endorsement to Buenos Aires’ Mayory Jorge Telerman.

• Raoul Wallenberg Day In The Educational Agenda Of The City Of Buenos Aires
• Other countries that dedicated one day to remember Raoul Wallenberg