Posted on 12/31/25
Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 31, 2025 - In this column, I often explore the stories behind Israeli street names which honor historical figures who shaped our Jewish past and present. But this time, I’d like to nominate someone whose name should appear on an Israeli street, but doesn’t yet: Giorgio Perlasca, the Italian businessman who risked his life to save thousands of Jews in Budapest, Hungary, during the Holocaust.
Perlasca’s story borders on unbelievable. Born in Italy in 1910, he once supported Mussolini’s Fascist regime but broke with it after Italy enacted racial laws and aligned with Nazi Germany. In 1944, while on a business trip to Hungary, Perlasca witnessed the systematic deportation of Jews and felt compelled to act. When the Spanish ambassador was forced to flee, Perlasca, armed only with an old letter from Franco’s government, bluffed his way into becoming the new Spanish consul.
For 45 remarkable days, Giorgio Perlasca posed as Spain's top diplomat in Budapest. He issued thousands of forged Spanish protection papers, sheltered Jews in safe houses flying the Spanish flag, and stared down Nazi and Arrow Cross officials with fearless audacity. With the help of Zionist youth groups, he coordinated nighttime rescues and provided food and medical care. When diplomatic funds ran out, he used his own money to keep operations going. By the time it was over, he had safeguarded the lives of more than 5,000 Jews.
Yet after returning home to Italy, Perlasca never spoke of what he had done. For decades, his deeds remained unknown until survivors tracked him down in the late 1980s.
In 1989, Yad Vashem honored Perlasca as Righteous Among the Nations. A forest was planted in his name. He received medals from Israel, Italy, Spain, Hungary, and the United States. His story has since been featured in books, documentaries, stamps, and even a symphonic composition in Israel.
Despite this recognition, his name remains unfamiliar to most Israelis. And yet, the magnitude of his actions rivals those of far more well-known figures. He worked alongside Raoul Wallenberg and at times directly confronted Nazi officers, including the notorious Adolf Eichmann. In one chilling episode, Perlasca demanded the release of Jewish children from a train bound for Auschwitz, standing his ground even when a German officer drew a pistol on him.
Today, streets in Rome and several Italian cities bear his name, as does an honorary street in Brooklyn - thanks in part to a devoted reader of this column who recently asked me: shouldn’t Israel also honor him?
It’s a fair question. In Israel, streets commemorate Jewish resistance fighters, rabbinic leaders, and Zionist pioneers. We must also remember the righteous gentiles who risked everything - despite having nothing to gain! - to save Jews when the world turned away. Moshe Krausz, Carl Lutz, and Raoul Wallenberg all have streets named after them in Israel for their roles in rescuing Hungarian Jews. Giorgio Perlasca belongs in their company.
He acted without official authority, without support, and with no expectation of recognition. He simply did what he believed was right. Naming a street in Israel after Giorgio Perlasca would not only honor him personally but also acknowledge the courageous role righteous gentiles played during the Holocaust.
It’s time Israel gives Giorgio Perlasca the honor he never asked for but so clearly deserves.
Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home, a real estate agency helping people from abroad buy homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly updates, email gborvick@gmail.com or visit www.myisraelhome.com.