Stamps of Approval
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Two Turkish diplomats who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust have been honored with commemorative stamps recently issued by Turkey’s postal system. Selâhattin Ülkümen (1914–2003), consul general of Turkey in Rhodes from 1943 to 1944, saved 42 Jewish families from deportation to concentration camps and was declared a Righteous Gentile by Yad Vashem in 1990. Necdet Kent (1911–2002), Turkey’s vice consul general in Marseille, France, from 1941 to 1944, gave Turkish citizenship to Jews living in France who faced deportation to concentration camps. In one incident, he boarded a train filled with Jews that was bound for Auschwitz, refusing to leave unless the Jews were also released. The two stamps were issued under the title “Precedent to Humanity.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
