The Life of Aristides de Souza Mendes

This tour connected to the Salazar/Spies/WWII times and is organized by Marisa, our specialist of this dark period in Portugal’s history. Aristides de Souza Mendes helped to safe the lives of thousands of Jews during World War II. In June 1940, thousands of refugees occupied the streets of Bordeaux looking for an exit visa. Spanish consulates were prohibited from issuing visas and only Portuguese consulates could do so, but under rules: neither to stateless persons, contested or disputed nationality nor to Jews. Contrary to Salazar's orders, the Bordeaux consul managed to save around 30 thousand people, and 10 thousand Jews, the largest refugee rescue operation carried out by a single man. Aristides de Sousa Mendes is a righteous man among the nations. Our visit covers the life of Aristides de Sousa Mendes and his family, from glory to disgrace, visiting the places where he lived, frequented and died, in Lisbon.

Contact Martina on designatemember.iwp@gmail.com