The Just

Discover the captivating tale in 'The Just' that recounts how Jan Zwartendijk, a Dutch consul, and his allies orchestrated one of the greatest rescue operations during the Holocaust. This extraordinary narrative, set against the backdrop of World War II, details how Zwartendijk took a courageous stand in May 1940, stepping beyond diplomatic boundaries to save thousands of desperate Jewish refugees in Kaunas, Lithuania. In collaboration with Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese consul, they issued visas that created a lifeline for up to 10,000 Jews, allowing them to escape through the Trans-Siberian Express, journeying from Soviet Russia to safety in Japan and beyond.

With 496 pages of gripping storytelling, 'The Just' sheds light on lesser-known heroes of history, revealing the impact of empathy and decisive action in the face of adversity. Jan Brokken's masterful writing brings forth the stories of those rescued, providing an intimate look into their lives and the sacrifices made for freedom. This powerful book is not merely historical; it is a testament to human spirit, courage, and the moral choices that shape our world.

Perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in Holocaust narratives, 'The Just' is a valuable addition to any library. Learn about the legacy of Zwartendijk and Sugihara, whose actions saved countless lives but were overlooked in their time. Order now for a profound reading experience that inspires and enlightens.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781925849295
Format: Paper over boards
Year: 2021
Publisher: Scribe Publications
Pages: 496


Description:
The remarkable story of how a consul and his allies helped save thousands of Jews from the Holocaust in one of the greatest rescue operations of the twentieth century.

In May 1940, Jan Zwartendijk, the director of the Lithuanian branch of the Philips electrical-goods company, stepped into history when he accepted the honorary role of Dutch consul.

In Kaunas, the capital of Lithuania, desperate Jewish refugees faced annihilation in the Holocaust. That was when Zwartendijk - with the help of Chiune Sugihara, the consul for Japan, and the Dutch ambassador in Riga, Latvia - chose to break his country's diplomatic rules. He opened up a possible route to freedom through the ruse of issuing visas to the Dutch colony of Cura ao on the other side of the world. Thanks to these visas, and Sugihara's approval of onward passage, many Jews - up to 10,000 - were able to travel on the Trans-Siberian Express all through Soviet Russia to Vladivostok, further to Japan, and onwards to China.

Most of the Jews whom Zwartendijk helped escape survived the war, and they and their descendants settled in America, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Zwartendijk and Sugihara were true heroes, and yet they were both shunned by their own countries after the war, and their courageous, unstinting actions have remained relatively unknown.

In The Just, renowned Dutch author Jan Brokken wrests this heroic story from oblivion and traces the journeys of a number of the rescued Jews. This epic narrative shows how, even in life-threatening circumstances, some people make the right choice at the right time. It is a lesson in character and courage.



'If I had known Jan Zwartendijk's story before, I would have
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