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IndexIndex

Introduction

Background Birth Schooling Marriage

CareerThe II World War

Tributes

IntroductionIntroduction

This project is meant to look into the life of a Portuguese hero Aristides de Sousa Mendes, emphasising his role in World War II.

Maria Angelina Ribeiro de Abranches Maria Angelina Ribeiro de Abranches and her husband José de Sousa Mendes José de Sousa Mendes had twins in Viseu, Portugal (July, 1885)

Aristides César de Sousa Mendes de Sousa Mendes

de Amaral e Abranches de Amaral e Abranches

BirthBirth

The twin brothers César and Aristides got a degree at Coimbra’s University. They chose a career in law.

At the University, they were Salazar’s colleagues.

SalazarSalazar became the Portuguese dictator from 1933 to 1968.

SchoolingSchooling

Aristides de Sousa Mendes married Angelina, his cousin, on 19th February 1909. They were a catholic family with conservative values.Aristides and Angelina had 14 children.

Marriage and familyMarriage and family

CareerCareer

He was the Consul for Portugal in many countries worldwide: Demerara, Guyana, South America Galiza, Spain Zanzibar, África Curitiba, BrazilS. Francisco, USAMaranhão, Porto Alegre, BrazilIn 1926, he returns to Portugal (beginning of dictatorship in Portugal)Anthuerp, Belgium (peak of his career)Bordeaux, France

Portugal

Demerara

Curitiba

Zanzibar

S. Francisco

Maranhão

AnthuerpBordeauxGaliza

BordeauxBordeaux

In 1938, after the death of two of his children, some financial troubles and conflicts with some co-workers, Aristides requests Salazar for a transfer.

He is relocated to Bordeaux, south of France.

II World WarII World War

At the beginning of the II World War, Aristides is therefore a Consul in France. Although Portugal remains neutral in the war, Salazar demands all his Consuls to deny visas to any foreigners or Jews.

In 1940, faced with an overflow of refugees fleeing from nazi persecution, Aristides is torn between Salazar’s demands and the demands of his conscience.

On 16th June of this year, he makes a bold decisiondecision that would save 30 thousand lives, but would completely ruin his career, and, therefore, his life:

““I will give visas to everyone I will give visas to everyone

who needs, regardless of who needs, regardless of

nacionality, race or religion”nacionality, race or religion”Aristides

That cost him Salazar’s wrath for his defiance of a direct order. Aristides is reported to have said:

““Between disobeying a man or God, I prefer Between disobeying a man or God, I prefer disobeying the former rather than the latter.”disobeying the former rather than the latter.”

A Jew Rabi, Rabi Kruger, reports that over a weekend Aristides and two of his sons worked tiredlessly to issue passports to refugees, among whom ten thousand were Jews.

In June 1940, Aristides is withdrawn from his functions as Consul and returns to Portugal.

In Portugal, he faced further sanctions as his salary is reduced to half, he is barred from working as a lawyer, and even his driver’s licence is taken away from him. From then on, Aristides’ life enters a free fall... – he sells his assets to survive; - his wife dies in 1948 - his children emigrate - his spends above his means - he is left to the care of a niece

Aristides dies on 3rd April, 1954 in utmost poverty.

Tributes after his DeathTributes after his Death

It was only over a decade later that tribute starts being paid to him.

•In 19671967 Israel recognises him as a hero.

•In 1987 1987 Aristides is paid tribute by Portuguese President, Mário Soares, in New York, and in 19981998 the Portuguese Parliament determines that Aristides de Sousa Mendes be officially rehabilitated.

•Recently, a Portuguese film on his life has been released.

Monument in Bordéus (France)

Cabanas de Viriato (place of Birth)

Street in USA

Memorial in Israel

Street in Austria

Work done by:Work done by:• Joana Aguiar• Joana Fogaça• Maria Rebelo

• Project COMENIUS• Teacher: Cristina Marreiros Lagos,

PORTUGAL