The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Lutz Humanitarian Award. This annual tribute is named in honor of the late Holocaust rescuer and former St. Louisan, Carl Lutz. The winning nominee will be recognized at the annual program on Nov. 19. Nominations will close on May 10.
The award’s proceeds will support the Museum’s educational initiatives, fortifying its unwavering commitment to reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change.
The 2023 Award was posthumously awarded to Carl Lutz for his extraordinary efforts in saving lives during the Holocaust, commemorating his heroic work. Lutz, a Swiss diplomat stationed in Budapest during World War II, orchestrated a sweeping rescue mission that furnished tens of thousands of Jews with life-saving documentation. Lutz and his wife, Trudi, were named Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. A familiar face in the St. Louis community for almost a decade prior to the war, Lutz embodies the spirit of this award, which will be given annually beginning this year.
Chrissy Laycob, Award co-chair and Museum board member said, “The Museum’s mission is to educate all its visitors about the history and lessons of the Holocaust – inspiring them to reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change. The Lutz Humanitarian Award puts the Museum’s mission in action by recognizing those among us who are actively fighting against hate and bigotry and for justice and understanding.”
Myron Freedman, the Museum’s executive director remarked, “As we honor the legacy of Carl Lutz, whose courageous acts during the Holocaust saved thousands of lives, we also look toward today’s humanitarians. The Lutz Humanitarian Award not only celebrates the bravery of individuals like Lutz but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for those dedicated to combating hatred and injustice today.”
Nominations are open on the museum’s website at stlholocaustmuseum.org/programs/lutzhumanitarianaward.
Those interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Chaney Jewell at [email protected] or 314-442-3710.
