WASHINGTON, D.C. – In observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced a resolution today honoring Carl Lutz, a Swiss diplomat responsible for helping more than 62,000 Jews escape from Hungary during the Holocaust and called Missouri home for several years. 

“Carl Lutz’s selflessness and sacrifice allowed him to perform the largest civilian rescue mission of the Holocaust, a feat nothing short of incredible. He will forever be remembered for his heroism and contributions to tens of thousands of families in the Jewish community,” said Luetkemeyer. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution to ensure Carl Lutz’s name goes down in history so that Missourians and people across the world can honor his memory for years to come.” 

Stepdaughter of Carl Lutz and Holocaust survivor, Agnes Hirschi:
“I feel truly touched and deeply honored that a [Missouri] representative should declare recognition in the U.S. Congress of my stepfather, Carl Lutz. His 20 years in the USA were invaluable for his diplomatic career as a Swiss diplomat after graduation from the George Washington University. He served at the Swiss Legation in Washington, D.C., later at the Swiss Consulate in Philadelphia and - before returning to Switzerland - also in St. Louis. That is where he met his first wife and forged happy and lasting links with that city. The valuable experience he gained in America helped him later to fulfill his mission to save tens of thousands of Jewish lives in Budapest.”

St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum Acting Executive Director, Don Hannon: 
“While others stood by and did nothing, Carl Lutz risked his life and career to rescue tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Lutz’s story is relatively unknown, but we are working to change that. Sharing his story teaches our students what empathy and courage look like in action. As our world continues to face hatred and division in so many places, that lesson is more important than ever before. We are proud to work with Congressman Luetkemeyer’s office to honor this former Missourian’s story, so that Carl Lutz will be a forgotten hero no more.”

Chairman of The Jewish Federations of North America and son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, Mark Wilf:
“We are always looking to recognize our heroes and this tribute is a beautiful way to do that. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who risked their own lives to save others. Carl Lutz will be remembered for his heroism and serving as an example for others.”