By Carlos Haag, FSWC Educator

This year marks 100 years since the birth of Raoul Wallenberg, whose name is today synonymous with courage, humanity, and unwavering moral conviction. In World War II at a time when the world was shrouded in darkness, Wallenberg’s heroism illuminated the possibility of hope. As educators, his centennial offers us a powerful opportunity to engage our students with the timeless values of compassion, responsibility and resilience.

Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat stationed in Budapest during the Holocaust. In 1944, as Nazi atrocities escalated, he undertook an extraordinary mission to save as many Hungarian Jews as possible. Armed with creativity and an unshakable sense of duty, he issued protective passports, established safe houses, and outwitted the Nazis, saving tens of thousands of lives. Yet Wallenberg’s story is not only one of triumph but also tragic sacrifice - his disappearance in Soviet custody in 1945 remains a somber reminder of the cost of standing up for justice.

How do we translate Wallenberg’s legacy into our classrooms? His story is more than a historical narrative; it’s a call to action. Use his example to spark discussions on moral courage and the impact one person can have on the world. Encourage students to reflect on what it means to take a stand against hatred, even in the face of immense danger.

As we honour this centennial, let us remind our students that heroism doesn’t always wear a cape. Sometimes, it’s as simple - and as profound - as refusing to be indifferent. Wallenberg’s legacy endures because it inspires us to ask: In the face of injustice, what would I do?