What is the Lutz Humanitarian Award?

The Lutz Humanitarian Award will be given to an individual or organization whose work or actions personify the spirit of Carl Lutz and others involved in the Swiss rescue efforts in Budapest, Hungary, during the Second World War. The recipient or recipients will personify Lutz’s commitment to:

• Protecting the helpless
• Standing up against injustice and hatred
• And/or performing good works at the risk of one’s life and/or career

Who was Carl Lutz?

Carl Lutz was a Swiss diplomat stationed in Budapest, Hungary, during the Second World War. Unlike many others, who stood by and did nothing in the face of Nazi persecution, Lutz used his position in the Swiss legation to save lives. Lutz remarked that he believed his actions to be a “matter of conscience” and that he had an obligation to protect those “condemned to die.” Because of this, Lutz is credited with organizing the largest diplomatic rescue mission of the entire Holocaust.

Lutz was educated in the United States, where he resided for over 20 years. He lived in the St. Louis area for nearly a decade.

2024 Program

The 2024 Lutz Humanitarian Award program will take place on November 19, 2024. Details on award nominations coming soon. 

Nomination Form

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Lutz at ALutz@STLHolocaustMuseum.org 

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