Births on January 14

Selahattin Ülkümen, Turkish diplomat (d. 2003)

Selahattin Ülkümen: A Turkish Diplomat's Courageous Efforts to Save Jews During the Holocaust

Selahattin Ülkümen, born on January 14, 1914, in Antakya, Turkey, and passing away on June 7, 2003, in Istanbul, was a distinguished Turkish diplomat whose extraordinary courage during the Second World War left an indelible mark on history. Serving as Turkey's Consul in Rhodes, then an Italian-occupied island in the Dodecanese, Ülkümen took exceptional risks to protect the local Jewish community from the horrors of the Holocaust.

The Perilous Context of Rhodes During WWII

During the Second World War, the island of Rhodes, a significant strategic location in the Aegean Sea, was under Italian control. However, following Italy's armistice with the Allied forces in September 1943 and the subsequent removal of Benito Mussolini from power, German forces swiftly occupied the island. This sudden shift in power brought the brutal policies of the Third Reich directly to the shores of Rhodes, immediately endangering its centuries-old Jewish community, which numbered approximately 2,000 individuals.

Ülkümen's Bold Intervention and Rescue Efforts

In the face of imminent deportation to Nazi death camps, Selahattin Ülkümen initiated a daring and resourceful plan to protect Jews on the island. He understood that German racial laws targeted all Jews regardless of their nationality. However, Ülkümen boldly asserted that individuals with any claim to Turkish citizenship – whether through birth, ancestry, or even distant family ties – were under the protection of the Republic of Turkey. He went beyond established diplomatic protocols, issuing Turkish identity papers and passports to numerous Jews, some of whom had tenuous or even fabricated connections to Turkey, purely to shield them from deportation. By doing so, he argued that these individuals were Turkish nationals and thus exempt from German anti-Jewish decrees.

Through these courageous and often defiant actions against German authorities, Ülkümen successfully saved the lives of close to 50 people. This extraordinary feat of humanitarian aid stood in stark contrast to the fate of the vast majority of the Jewish community on Rhodes, numbering over 1,600 individuals, who were tragically rounded up in July 1944 and deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where most perished.

A Beacon of Hope: Contrasting Fates of Jewish Communities

The stark difference in the outcome for Jewish communities on various islands during the Holocaust highlights the significance of Ülkümen's efforts. For instance, on the nearby island of Corfu, both Turkish and Greek Jews were mercilessly deported to death camps, with no similar intervention from their diplomatic representatives. Ülkümen's unwavering commitment to human life in Rhodes provided a rare exception, demonstrating how individual bravery could alter the course of destiny for dozens of innocent people.

Recognition as "Righteous Among the Nations"

In recognition of his exceptional courage and selflessness, the State of Israel honored Selahattin Ülkümen in 1989 as one of the "Righteous Among the Nations." This esteemed title is bestowed by Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims and heroes of the Holocaust, upon non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. His name is permanently inscribed on the Wall of Honor at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, serving as a perpetual reminder of his heroic actions and his commitment to humanity during one of history's darkest periods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selahattin Ülkümen

Who was Selahattin Ülkümen?

Selahattin Ülkümen was a Turkish diplomat and consul who served in Rhodes during the Second World War. He is celebrated for his courageous efforts to save Jewish people from deportation during the Holocaust.

What did Selahattin Ülkümen do in Rhodes?

As Turkey's Consul, Ülkümen issued Turkish citizenship documents and passports to Jews on the island of Rhodes, arguing that they were Turkish nationals and therefore exempt from German anti-Jewish policies. This allowed him to save the lives of close to 50 individuals who would otherwise have faced deportation to death camps.

How did the German occupation affect Rhodes' Jewish community?

After Italy's surrender in 1943, Germany occupied Rhodes, bringing their genocidal policies to the island. This led to the mass deportation of over 1,600 Jews from Rhodes to Auschwitz-Birkenau in July 1944, with very few survivors.

What is "Righteous Among the Nations"?

"Righteous Among the Nations" is an honorary title awarded by Yad Vashem, Israel's official Holocaust memorial, to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews from persecution and murder during the Holocaust.

When was Selahattin Ülkümen recognized by Israel?

Selahattin Ülkümen was recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations" by the State of Israel in 1989, and his name is listed at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.