Translated from Russian by Chaim Zehavi
First Story
At
the beginning of WWII, when the truth about the fate of the Jewish
people was discovered, and when there were still ways to save them, a
few hundred rich Jews bought a ship in order to get their families on
board and escape to America. But they needed visas, so they approached
the American Ambassador in London. It was not difficult for him, but he
utterly refused. The Jews, in order to save their families, went without the visas.
When
the Ambassador found out about it, he contacted Washington, advising
them that a ship with illegal immigrants is approaching America. The
Jews managed to overcome the horrors of war and reach America, but were
not permitted into America. These unlucky people were ordered to turn
around and return to burning Europe. and all burnt in the camps.
When
the tragedy was revealed, the Rabbi of London came to the American
Ambassador and said: "Your deeds do not befit not only your post, but
you are not fit to be called 'a human'. And now, since you caused
hundreds of people's death, YOU AND ALL YOUR DESCENDANTS generations
down from now on will be cursed!"
The name of the American Ambassador was KENNEDY.
Second Story
Again, WWII. Lithuania.
The Japanese Ambassador, who was a compassionate and noble person,
disagreed with the Nazi crimes, and was concerned with the future of the
European Jewry. He used his status and provided them with visas to
Japan. From Japan they immigrated to America. Thus he saved the lives of
thousands of Jews.
When
the Germans found out they demanded that the Ambassador will be
removed. The Japanese, allies of the Nazis, followed the request. But he
still had 2 weeks until his return, and he used these 2 weeks, and
worked around the clock, days and nights, and recruited people to help
him issue more visas. The lives of many more Jews were saved this way.
This was a very dangerous act, deserving of admiration.
Prior to his leaving a mission of Jews from the Vilna Synagogue came to thank him.
"What you have done for the Jewish People will never be forgotten, and we will pray to God to bless you and your descendants."
This wonderful person returned to Japan, and miraculously all his punishment was that he was fired and lost his pension.
In order to help his family he started a small workshop.
His name was Mitsubishi.