Chuck Farber, a World War II veteran and retired Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Naval Reserve, led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, August 11, Mayor James R. Barberio, along with the Parsippany Interfaith Council, commemorated the courageous actions of Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who heroically saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust. Wallenberg is remembered as a significant figure in World War II history. As a Swedish diplomat in Budapest, he is credited with rescuing tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from the horrors of the Holocaust.
Raoul Wallenberg was a Swedish diplomat who became one of the most significant and heroic figures during World War II due to his extraordinary efforts to save Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust. Born on August 4, 1912, in Lidingö, Sweden, Wallenberg came from a prominent family that was influential in business, diplomacy, and banking.
In 1944, during the height of World War II, Wallenberg was appointed as a diplomat to the Swedish Legation in Budapest, Hungary. His mission was to save as many Jews as possible from the Nazi extermination camps. Wallenberg employed a combination of diplomatic finesse, bribery, and deception to achieve this goal.
Wallenberg’s courageous acts included the use of “Schutz-Passes” – protective documents that claimed the bearers were under Swedish protection, despite these documents not having any legal authority. Additionally, he established safe houses throughout Budapest, marked as Swedish territory, where Jews could find refuge from Nazi and Arrow Cross raids. His tireless efforts exemplified an extraordinary sense of humanity during one of the darkest periods in history.
In 1945, Wallenberg was detained by Soviet forces for reasons that remain unclear, and his fate afterward is still surrounded by mystery, with varying accounts of his death.
Despite this, Wallenberg’s legacy is a powerful example of how one individual’s determination can combat profound evil.
The plaque is dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg, honoring his heroic actions during World War II.Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presented a proclamation.Shala Gagliardi, representing Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, spoke during the event. In her remarks, she likely conveyed the Congresswoman’s support and commitment to the issues discussed at the event, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and legislative efforts in the district.Adams could provide insight into the sculpture’s aesthetic qualities, such as its composition, use of space, and interaction with the surrounding environment. He might also discuss the technical aspects, such as the materials and construction methods.Rabbi Moshe Rudin is Chair of the Morris County Human Relations Commission. In this role, he is likely involved in fostering understanding and cooperation among different communities within Morris County, addressing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promoting positive intergroup relations. Rabbi Rudin is known for his commitment to social justice and involvement in various community initiatives. As Chair of the Human Relations Commission, he works to ensure that all residents of Morris County are treated with dignity and respect and that the community remains a welcoming and inclusive place.Cantor Bruce Ruben of Temple Beth Am presented a “Musical Offering” titled BMakom – In a Place Bereft of Humanity, Strive to be Human. This title draws from the Jewish ethical teaching, often attributed to Hillel the Elder. It encourages individuals to maintain their humanity and moral integrity even in the most challenging and inhumane circumstances.Mayor Janes Barberio with Deborah Smith, Morris County Board of Commissioners.Board of Education Member Judy Mayer with Mayor James Barberio.Board of Education Members Judy Mayer, Jack Raia, and Suzy Golderer with Councilman Justin Musella during the remembrance ceremony.
A large crowd gathers for the remembrance ceremony, creating a powerful and solemn atmosphere. The attendees, sitting closely together, fill the space with a palpable sense of community and shared purpose.Board of Education Member Judy Mayer is seen placing a rose during the Presentation of the Roses, a poignant moment in the ceremony that symbolizes honor and remembrance.Invocation delivered by Rev. Donald Bragg of Parsippany Presbyterian Church, setting a profound and reverent tone for the ceremony.Rev. Donald Bragg, Rabbi Shalom Lubin, Cantor Avima Rudofsky Darnov, Cantor Bruce Ruben, and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon stand together, representing a powerful interfaith and community leadership presence at the event. Their collective participation underscores the unity and shared commitment to the solemn occasion.
Publisher of Parsippany Focus since 1989 and Morris Focus since 2019, both covering a wide range of events. Mr. Cahill serves as the Executive Board Member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, President of Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town and Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board.
