We were There - The International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation

The fact, however, that I survived the German occupation in Budapest and the Hungarian Arrow Cross
fascist regime is undoubtedly thanks to Raoul Wallenberg, the righteous gentile commemorated in Israel
and an honorary citizen in Canada, but not sufficiently honored in his own country, Sweden. It is not for
me to judge why the Swedish government hasn’t made more effort to find and liberate Wallenberg from
the Soviet prisons. Was it because of his origin from the rich and famous Wallenberg family?
It was certainly a privilege to have worked in his mission, to learn about his compassion for the
persecuted people, to see him work at his desk, sometimes late at night. Again, we had to finish filling out
the Schutzpass for him to sign, ready to take them with him when he went to the Austro-Hungarian
border the following day. He never worried about his own safety, whether facing Eichmann or the Arrow
Cross criminals.
The other reason for my writing this report is being encouraged by Fr. Dr. Christian Rutishauser, a
charismatic Jesuit priest, a scholar of the Bible and of Jewish studies and a friend of the Jewish people.
Before I first attended a workshop at the Lassalle House in Bad Schönbrunn I didn’t know very much
about the Jesuit Order. I was interested to find out how and why they promote and encourage Christian-
Jewish dialogue, just as I was trying to accomplish that myself. After attending several workshops and
having met Fr. Rutishauser, I was overwhelmed by his genuine interest and compassion for the quest of
the Jewish people.
From my early childhood I have been attracted to the Roman Catholic Faith, and particularly to the figure
of the Virgin Mary. In my room I have several pictures representing her, and I also have a small icon in my
car. When I had my first interview with Fr. Rutishauser I explained to him my problem of dealing with my
double identity, that of a Hungarian Jew and a Swiss Christian. I was trying and hoping to become a real
Christian, but I realized I had to learn more about the origin of the Christian faith by first studying the
Jewish tradition and the Old Testament that I had never really done before, and then continue to
understand the teachings of Jesus Christ by becoming more and more familiar with the New Testament.
Among other encouraging and compassionate words he said to me: “The Virgin Mary was a Jewish
mother”. What a consolation! This helped me to accept and cope with my double identity. And so I
continue to pray to the Virgin Mary for the safety and happiness of my children.
This report is dedicated to Fr. Dr. Christian Rutishauser with respect and thanks for his guidance.
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