Karl Lutz

CARL LUTZ
OFFICIAL MEDAL 5763/2003 2nd in the "VISAS FOR LIFE" Series Commemorating the Diplomats designated as "Righteous Among the Nations"

Carl Lutz was one of the bravest and most resourceful of those awarded the title of "Righteous Among the Nations". He is credited with saving the lives of more than 62,000 Jews in Budapest between 1942 and 1945 and assisting more than 10,000 Jewish children to immigrate to the Land of Israel. Lutz represented Switzerland, the United States, Britain and the twelve countries that had severed relations with Hungary because of its alliance with Germany. His protective letters ("Schutzbrief") were recognized by the Hungarian and Germany authorities and prevented the deportation of tens of thousands of Jews to Nazi extermination camps. Lutz also aided the Jews in the Budapest ghetto, supplying them with food, establishing "Safe Houses" and applying his diplomatic skills in saving thousands. He demonstrated extraordinary bravery and resourcefulness in his efforts to save the lives of Hungarian Jews. Carl Lutz was awarded the title of "Righteous Among the Nations" in 1965. He died in 1975 at the age of 80.

Obverse: Portrait of Carl Lutz; inscription "CARL LUTZ - SWITZERLAND" in the upper border and "Carl Lutz" in Hebrew along the lower border.

Reverse: Signature of Carl Lutz, Swiss Emblem and diplomatic seal used by Lutz in Budapest; inscriptions "VISAS FOR LIFE" in the left-hand border with Hebrew translation in the right-hand border; "BUDAPEST 1944-45" in the lower border.

Edge: Israel State Emblem, "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number and metal.

Designer: Alex Shagin and Igal Gabay

Engraving: Alex Shagin and Tidhar Dagan

Mint: Hecht Products, Israel