Unusual Carl Lutz Schutzbrief with two pictures

Carl Lutz

Carl Lutz was a Swiss Consul who served in Budapest, Hungary during World War II. Despite facing significant challenges and opposition, he used his position to save over 50,000* Jewish lives from the Holocaust by issuing them Swiss protective papers and providing them with safe houses.

He is often referred to as the “Swiss Schindler” for his bravery and selflessness in the face of such immense evil. Lutz’s actions serve as a reminder of the power of one individual to make a profound impact and challenge unjust systems. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight against hatred and stand up for what is right.

* This means that the number of 62,000 mentioned in many sources may not be accurate due to the presence of counterfeits and other factors that can affect the accuracy of the estimates. It’s important to consider multiple sources and cross-reference them to get a better understanding of historical events and figures. Historical research is ongoing and new information and insights can come to light that may alter our understanding of events. It’s essential to approach historical research with a critical eye and be open to revising our understanding as new evidence emerges. It’s also important to acknowledge the limitations of our sources and the difficulties of accurately estimating numbers from the past. This underscores the importance of continuing to critically examine and re-evaluate historical events to ensure that our understanding remains as accurate as possible.

The Schutzbrief (Protection letter) Carl Lutz Schutzbrief Fischer

The document before us is a Schutzbrief, a form of protection issued by the Swiss Legation in Budapest, dated October 23rd, 1944. While the form and text of the document are typical, it is noteworthy that two photographs have been attached, possibly by the bearer himself, Mr. FISCHER HUGO. The inclusion of these photos imbues the document with a personal touch, rendering it unique from the standard versions of the Schutzbrief. The presence of the distinctive red stamp of the Swiss Legation adds a seal of authenticity and attests to the document’s origin.

The document is issued to FISCHER HUGO és neje = Hugo Fischer and his wife (KAROLINA).

The photo copy of the document reveals a fascinating detail – there were no photographs attached to the original Schutzbrief. However, this absence is more than compensated by the presence of several other important documents, including Mr. FISCHER HUGO’s Social Democratic Party ID from 1945 and two machine-typed curricula vitae from June 1951.

The discovery of these additional documents elevates the significance and adds depth to the story behind this Schutzbrief. It gives us a glimpse into the life and experiences of the bearer, and allows us to connect with the individual behind the document. The combination of the Schutzbrief and these supplementary documents creates a vivid picture, making this find a truly exceptional and valuable artifact.

The Carl Lutz Society Carl Lutz Schutzbrief Fischer

The Carl Lutz Society is an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Swiss consul who saved 50,000+ Jewish lives during the Holocaust. The society works to educate the public about Lutz’s heroic actions and to promote the values of humanity and compassion that he embodied. Through its initiatives and events, the Carl Lutz Society strives to keep the memory of this remarkable individual alive and to inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.

Agnes Hirschi, the stepdaughter of Carl Lutz is the honorary president of the society.