Raoul Wallenberg: Life and Legacy

Raoul Wallenberg's activities during the Holocaust and his transformation into a Swedish brand are examined in this book, which also considers the political aspects of his Americanization and his portrayals in music, film, and television. The question of how Wallenberg's memory can and should be kept alive in future is an essential issue related to the politics of memory.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2024
Publisher: Lund University Press,Sweden

Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat, played a crucial role in saving the lives of thousands of Jews in Budapest during the Holocaust between 1944 and 1945. Recognized by the Israeli state as one of the Righteous among the Nations, Wallenberg's actions during this period have been extensively studied and commemorated. This book delves into Wallenberg's activities during the Holocaust, his transformation into a Swedish brand, and the political aspects of his Americanization. It also examines his portrayals in music, film, and television, as well as the representations of Wallenberg as a monument. The question of how Wallenberg's memory can and should be kept alive in the future is a significant issue related to the politics of memory.

Wallenberg's activities during the Holocaust were extensive and multifaceted. He worked tirelessly to obtain visas and safe passage for Jews fleeing Hungary, often using his diplomatic connections and personal resources. He also established safe houses and provided food and medical supplies to those in hiding. Wallenberg's efforts were instrumental in saving the lives of tens of thousands of Jews, and he is credited with saving the Jewish community in Budapest.

Wallenberg's transformation into a Swedish brand was a result of his efforts to promote Sweden and its values during the post-war period. He was appointed as the Swedish ambassador to the United States in 1945 and played a key role in establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Wallenberg's charismatic personality and his ability to connect with people made him a popular figure in the United States, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985 for his humanitarian work.

However, Wallenberg's portrayals in music, film, and television have been controversial. Some have criticized his portrayals as overly simplistic or romanticized, while others have praised his bravery and dedication. The film "Schindler's List" in particular has been credited with bringing Wallenberg's story to a wider audience, but it has also been criticized for its historical inaccuracies.

Wallenberg's portrayals in music, film, and television have also been influenced by the political aspects of his Americanization. He was a strong advocate of the United States and its policies, and his support for the Marshall Plan and the establishment of NATO was instrumental in shaping the post-war world. However, his support for the Vietnam War and his criticism of the Soviet Union have also been controversial.

In addition to his portrayals in music, film, and television, Wallenberg's memory can and should be kept alive in future through various means. Museums and memorials can be established in his honor, and his story can be taught in schools and universities. Wallenberg's legacy can also be celebrated through music, film, and television, and his humanitarian work can be recognized through awards and recognition.

However, there are also challenges to keeping Wallenberg's memory alive in future. One of the biggest challenges is the changing nature of memory and the way that it is shaped by different cultural and political contexts. As time passes, the memories of the Holocaust may become less prominent, and the importance of Wallenberg's actions may be forgotten. Additionally, the political aspects of Wallenberg's Americanization may be controversial, and some may argue that his support for the Vietnam War and his criticism of the Soviet Union should be ignored.

To address these challenges, it is important to engage with Wallenberg's memory in a meaningful and respectful way. This can include promoting his story through various means, such as museums and memorials, and by teaching his story in schools and universities. It can also be important to recognize the political aspects of Wallenberg's Americanization and to engage in dialogue about them.

In conclusion, Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who played a crucial role in saving the lives of thousands of Jews in Budapest during the Holocaust between 1944 and 1945. He is recognized by the Israeli state as one of the Righteous among the Nations, and his activities during this period have been extensively studied and commemorated. Wallenberg's transformation into a Swedish brand was a result of his efforts to promote Sweden and its values during the post-war period, and his portrayals in music, film, and television have been controversial. However, his memory can and should be kept alive in future through various means, and it is important to engage with his memory in a meaningful and respectful way.

Dimension: 216 x 138 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789198557800