The exhibition, created by Eric Saul, Founder and Executive Director of Visas for Life and the Institute for the Study of Rescue and Altruism in the Holocaust (ISRAH), celebrates the heroic actions of more than 300 diplomats from over 40 countries who risked their lives and careers to save persecuted people during the Holocaust.
While the exhibition features prominently the extraordinary life and accomplishments of Carl Lutz, a Swiss diplomat who orchestrated the largest diplomatic rescue operation of the Holocaust, it also honors numerous other courageous diplomats who used their diplomatic positions to issue life-saving visas and documents. Serving as Swiss Vice-Consul in Budapest from 1942 to 1945, Lutz is credited with saving over 60,000 lives through ingenious use of protective letters and the establishment of over 70 safe houses throughout Budapest. Thanks to his courageous actions and the support of his fellow diplomats, it was possible to save half of Budapest's Jewish population from almost certain death. These diplomats were, in turn, aided by hundreds of Jewish volunteers.
A closing reception for the exhibition will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Arch Street Meeting House. Stay tuned for more information.
The Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council is hosting a few events to recognize and celebrate the life and accomplishments of an often forgotten hero - Carl Lutz. His humanitarian action is considered the greatest civil rescue operation of Jews during the Holocaust. This year will mark the 80th anniversary of Carl Lutz’s great feat to save over 60,000 lives from the Holocaust during his tenure as Vice-Consul at the Swiss Embassy in Budapest.
This event series, which the Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council initially introduced at the Summer 2019 International Business Networking Reception at the National Museum of Jewish History in Philadelphia, serves to honor Carl Lutz and numerous other diplomats from many nations who acted with bravery and courage in the Holocaust.
Carl Lutz’s events are taking place in Philadelphia - the city where Carl Lutz served as Chancellor at the Swiss Consulate from 1926 to 1934.
From December 2025 – Fall 2026, the Mid-Atlantic - Eurasia Business Council will continue to showcase the life and legacy of Carl Lutz and Diplomatic Rescue in the Holocaust through a variety of presentations. These events will take place both virtually and in-person at indoor and outdoor locations in Philadelphia, including the Mayor’s Reception Room in Philadelphia City Hall, Philadelphia Holocaust Memorial Plaza, and various universities and colleges in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
They will hold the "Visas for Life: The Righteous and Honorable Diplomats" exhibit at Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia (320 Arch Street, PA 19106), which will honor diplomats across nations who undertook heroic rescue efforts during the Holocaust. The exhibition will culminate on March 30, 2026, the anniversary of Carl Lutz's birth and the centennial of his arrival in Philadelphia. They are planning to host international experts and guests including Agnes Hirschi, Carl Lutz’ stepdaughter and President of the Carl Lutz Society, have several hybrid events from December 17, 2025 – March 30, 2026, present the Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal story, and to have a memorial in 2026, the 100th year anniversary of Carl Lutz' arrival in Philadelphia.
For further information please see our flyer.