How Did a Salvadoran Colonel Save 40,000 Jews in WW2? | Unpacked
Unpacked
José Arturo Castellanos Contreras, a Salvadoran diplomat, displayed remarkable courage during World War II by saving around 40,000 Jews. Contreras, defying the Axis powers and his own government, issued fake Salvadoran passports to Jews, granting them sanctuary from the Holocaust. His actions not only transformed a small consulate into a lifeline for many Jewish families but also underscored the profound impact one individual's quiet bravery could have on history. This story, a testament to human decency in the face of evil, highlights Contreras' strategic use of international law to validate these forged documents, ensuring that many Jews reached safety.