# Giorgio Perlasca

> Italian self-appointed Spanish diplomat in Hungary who saved 5218 Jews from the Holocaust (1910-1992)

**Wikidata**: [Q162651](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q162651)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgio_Perlasca)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/giorgio-perlasca

## Summary
Giorgio Perlasca was an Italian civil servant and self-appointed Spanish diplomat in Hungary who saved 5,218 Jews from the Holocaust during World War II. Born in 1910, he utilized his diplomatic position to issue protective passports and shelter Jewish individuals, risking his life to oppose Nazi persecution. His heroic actions earned him international recognition, including the Righteous Among the Nations award.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 31, 1910
- **Nationality**: Italian
- **Known for**: Saving 5,218 Jews during the Holocaust
- **Employer(s)**: Italian government, self-appointed Spanish diplomat in Hungary
- **Field(s)**: Diplomacy, humanitarian aid

## Contributions
- **Holocaust Rescue Efforts (1943–1944)**: As a self-appointed Spanish diplomat in Hungary, Perlasca issued protective passports and established safe houses, directly saving 5,218 Jews from deportation and extermination.
- **Diplomatic Advocacy**: Utilized his position to negotiate with Hungarian authorities and Nazi officials, leveraging international law to protect Jewish lives.

## FAQs
**What was Giorgio Perlasca's role during the Holocaust?**  
Perlasca acted as a self-appointed Spanish diplomat in Hungary, where he issued protective documents and organized rescue operations to save Jewish individuals from persecution.

**How many people did Giorgio Perlasca save?**  
He is credited with saving 5,218 Jews from the Holocaust through his diplomatic efforts and direct interventions.

**What recognition did Giorgio Perlasca receive for his actions?**  
Perlasca was honored with the Righteous Among the Nations award by Israel, the Raoul Wallenberg Award, and other accolades for his humanitarian work.

**Was Giorgio Perlasca affiliated with any military or political groups?**  
He was associated with the Corpo Truppe Volontarie during the Spanish Civil War but later acted independently in his rescue efforts.

## Why They Matter
Giorgio Perlasca's actions during the Holocaust exemplify individual courage in the face of systemic oppression. By exploiting diplomatic loopholes and risking personal safety, he saved thousands of lives, leaving a legacy of resistance against genocide. His story underscores the impact one person can have in altering the course of history through moral conviction and strategic action.

## Notable For
- **Righteous Among the Nations**: Recognized by Israel for saving Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
- **Raoul Wallenberg Award**: Honored for his humanitarian efforts.
- **Self-Appointed Diplomat**: Operated without official Spanish authorization to conduct rescue operations.
- **Corpo Truppe Volontarie Service**: Participated in the Spanish Civil War prior to his Holocaust rescue work.

## Body

### Early Life and Career
Giorgio Perlasca was born on January 31, 1910, in Italy. He served in the Corpo Truppe Volontarie during the Spanish Civil War, an experience that may have influenced his later actions. Transitioning into civil service, Perlasca leveraged his diplomatic skills to navigate the complexities of wartime Europe.

### Holocaust Rescue Efforts
In 1943, Perlasca assumed the role of a self-appointed Spanish diplomat in Hungary, a position he used to issue protective passports and establish safe houses for Jewish individuals. By negotiating with Hungarian authorities and Nazi officials, he secured the release of detainees and prevented deportations. His efforts directly saved 5,218 lives, a testament to his ingenuity and resolve.

### Recognition and Legacy
Perlasca's heroism was formally acknowledged with the Righteous Among the Nations award by Israel, the Raoul Wallenberg Award, and other honors. His story gained international recognition posthumously, symbolizing the power of individual action against injustice. Today, Perlasca is remembered as a model of moral courage, inspiring continued efforts to combat oppression worldwide.

### Awards and Honors
- **Righteous Among the Nations (1963)**: Awarded by Israel for saving Jewish lives.
- **Raoul Wallenberg Award**: Recognized for his humanitarian contributions.
- **Hungarian Order of Merit**: Honored for his diplomatic service.
- **Order of Isabella the Catholic**: Acknowledged for his efforts in Spain.

### Historical Context
Perlasca's actions occurred within the broader context of the Holocaust and World War II, a period marked by widespread persecution and genocide. His ability to operate within the bureaucratic structures of fascist regimes highlights the nuanced strategies required to resist oppression during this era.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. The Righteous Among the Nations Database
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. OPAC SBN
5. SNAC
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
9. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line