Raoul Wallenberg Memorial, London

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Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg was a Swedish architect, businessman, diplomat, and humanitarian born on August 4, 1912. He is widely recognized for saving tens of thousands of Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary during the Holocaust from Hungarian Fascists and Nazis during World War II's later stages. As Sweden's special envoy in Budapest between July and December 1944, Wallenberg issued protective passports and sheltered Jews in buildings designated as Swedish territory. On January 17, 1945, during the Siege of Budapest by the Red Army, Wallenberg was detained by Soviet authorities on suspicion of espionage and then disappeared. Later reports claimed he died on July 17, 1947, while imprisoned by communist authorities and KGB secret police in Moscow's Lubyanka, the KGB headquarters and affiliated prison. The motives behind Wallenberg's arrest and imprisonment by the Soviet government, along with questions surrounding the circumstances of his death and possible ties to US intelligence, remain mysterious and are subject to continued speculation. Due to his courageous actions on behalf of Hungarian Jews, Raoul Wallenberg has been honored with numerous humanitarian recognitions in the years following his presumed death. In 1981, U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, who was also saved by Wallenberg, sponsored a bill making him an Honorary Citizen of the United States. He is also an honorary citizen of Canada, Hungary, Australia, and Israel. Israel has designated Wallenberg as one of the Righteous among the Nations. Monuments have been dedicated to him, and streets have been named after him throughout the world. A Raoul Wallenberg Committee of the United States was established in 1981 to "perpetuate the humanitarian ideals and nonviolent courage of Raoul Wallenberg." It presents the Raoul Wallenberg Award annually to recognize individuals who carry out these goals. A postage stamp was issued by the U.S. in his honor in 1997. On July 26, 2012, he received a Congressional Gold Medal from the United States Congress "in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during the Holocaust." This object is part of "Scan The World." Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access free. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.