The Just

More about the book

In May 1940, Jan Zwartendijk, director of the Lithuanian branch of Philips, became the Dutch consul in Kaunas, Lithuania, during a time when Jewish refugees faced imminent annihilation in the Holocaust. Alongside Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese consul, and the Dutch ambassador in Riga, Zwartendijk made the bold decision to defy diplomatic protocols. He issued visas for the Dutch colony of Curacao, creating a lifeline for desperate Jews. This act allowed up to 10,000 individuals to embark on a perilous journey via the Trans-Siberian Express through Soviet Russia to Vladivostok, then to Japan, and ultimately to China. Most of those Zwartendijk helped escape survived the war, later settling in countries such as America, Canada, and Australia. Despite their heroic actions, both Zwartendijk and Sugihara faced neglect from their own nations post-war, and their bravery has largely remained unrecognized. This narrative uncovers their story and the journeys of many rescued Jews, illustrating how, even in dire circumstances, individuals can make profound choices that reflect courage and integrity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and moral conviction in the face of adversity.