Raoul Wallenberg 1997 32-Cent (Sheet of 20) US Postage Stamps

History: Raoul Wallenberg (August 17, 1912 - July 17, 1947) was a Swedish architect, businessman, diplomat, and humanitarian. While serving as Sweden's special envoy in Budapest during the Holocaust, Wallenberg saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews. He issued "protective passports" which identified the bearers as Swedish subjects awaiting repatriation and thus prevented their deportation. These fake passports looked official enough that they were generally accepted by the authorities. Wallenberg also would bribe the authorities when necessary to save lives. He rented 32 buildings in Budapest and declared them to be extraterritorial, protected by diplomatic immunity. He put up signs such as "The Swedish Library" and "The Swedish Research Institute" on their doors and hung oversize Swedish flags on the front of the buildings to bolster the deception. The stamp features an image of Wallenberg on the phone with Jewish refugees in the background.

• Commemorative Issue**: Released in 1997, the Raoul Wallenberg stamp celebrates the life and humanitarian efforts of the Swedish diplomat during World War II.
• Design Elements**: The stamp features a striking portrait of Wallenberg, surrounded by blue and yellow tones that symbolize hope and courage.
• Significant Actions**: Raoul Wallenberg is renowned for his use of diplomatic protections, including “Schutz-Passes,” to save tens of thousands of Jewish lives from persecution.
• Scott Catalogue Number**: The stamp is identified as Scott #3135, part of a sheet of 20, making it a collectible item for philatelists.
• Legacy of Human Rights**: The stamp not only honors Wallenberg’s bravery but also serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and advocating for human rights.