Jerusalem, Israel – Dec. 30, 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.