The 80th Anniversary of Raoul Wallenberg’s Disappearance
Published on August 04, 2025
Commissioner John Krickus Honors Holocaust Hero at Annual Commemoration in Parsippany
Morris County Commissioner John Krickus joined Mayor James Barberio, local clergy, representatives of the Swedish Consulate, and members of the Jewish and Swedish American communities at Smith Field Park in Parsippany yesterday to honor the memory of Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat whose heroic actions during the Holocaust saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews.
This year marked the 80th anniversary of Wallenberg’s mysterious disappearance in 1945 as WWII was ending and the Soviet military occupied Hungary. The annual program, “Courage and Compassion: Remembering Raoul Wallenberg,” was held beside the sculpture erected in Wallenberg’s honor and co-sponsored by Adath Shalom Synagogue, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, the Parsippany Interfaith Council and the Morris County Human Relations Commission.
Commissioner Krickus presented a Resolution of Honor on behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners to Meyer Rosenthal, Chair of the Adath Shalom Holocaust Education Committee. The resolution honored Wallenberg’s heroism on the 80th anniversary of his disappearance, and recognized those who continue to commemorate his legacy while reaffirming the county’s commitment to combat antisemitism.
“Our county Sheriff Jim Gannon has worked tirelessly with local police to ensure that we can live our lives freely, that our children can attend school, and that residents of all of faiths can worship safely in our communities,” said Commissioner Krickus, calling attention to the efforts of the Morris County sheriff who was also present at the event.
Wallenberg, born in Stockholm, Sweden, on Aug. 4, 1912, was recruited by the U.S. War Refugee Board in 1944 to aid Jews persecuted by the Nazis. Sent to Budapest by the Swedish foreign ministry, he launched a rescue mission by issuing Swedish "certificates of protection," saving tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from deportation to Auschwitz death camps. He also established soup kitchens, nurseries, hospitals and safe houses, and helped create the “International Ghetto” to provide shelter and protection.
By 1945, Wallenberg’s efforts saved an estimated 100,000 Jews from deportation and helped 50,000 others emigrate before his sudden disappearance. He was last seen in the custody of Russian soldiers who believed he was a U.S. spy and imprisoned him.
“This is more than a day of remembrance; it is a powerful reminder that we must stand up against antisemitism, hatred and intolerance. One person with integrity and courage can make a difference, even in the darkest times,” said Mayor Barberio, who presented a proclamation recognizing the 80th anniversary of Wallenberg’s disappearance.
In 1981, U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos, who was saved by Wallenberg, sponsored a bill granting Wallenberg honorary U.S. citizenship -- only the second person ever to receive the distinction. Six others have since been granted the same honor, dating back to the American Revolution.
Wallenberg’s legacy continues to inspire humanitarian efforts worldwide and remains a powerful example of the impact one individual can have in the face of evil.
The ceremony featured musical tributes, prayers and reflections, and Rabbi Moshe Rudin of Adath Shalom and the Morris County Human Relations Commission presented the 2025 Wallenberg Scholarships to this year’s recipients: Gabriella Albano of Parsippany Hills High School and Emma Gonzalez of Parsippany High School.
The ceremony concluded with eleven white roses placed at the base of the Wallenberg sculpture, each representing one million of the eleven million lives lost during the Holocaust.
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Photo 1: From left, Meyer Rosenthal, Mayor James Barberio and Commissioner John Krickus.
Photo 2: Front row, from left: Deacon Len Deo of St. Ann Parish of Parsippany, Commissioner John Krickus, Emma Gonzalez, Gabriella Albano, Mayor James Barberio, Sheriff James Gannon and Parsippany Councilman Frank Neglia. Back row, from left: Chris Williams, Director of Community Engagement & Grants for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Rabbi Moshe Rudin of Adath Shalom and Cantor Bruce Ruben of Temple Beth Am.