November 22, 2024, by Hao Nguyen
I recently stumbled upon an article titled “Chiune (Sempo) Sugihara” on the Holocaust Encyclopedia, and it really left an impression on me. Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat stationed in Lithuania during World War II, and he made the incredible decision to issue transit visas to Jewish refugees, saving thousands of lives. At a time when many turned a blind eye to the atrocities occurring in Nazi-occupied Europe, Sugihara defied his own government’s orders, understanding the urgency and desperation of those seeking escape from a seemingly inevitable fate. His courage in choosing compassion over compliance exemplifies the true spirit
of an upstander—a reminder that each of us has the potential to make a meaningful impact in the face of injustice. Growing up as a Vietnamese-American, I’ve always been intrigued by Vietnamese stories of heroism that aren’t always front and center, and Sugihara’s actions resonate deeply with me.
His compassionate stance really makes me wonder about the kind of impact we can all have if we decide to take a stand, no matter how small it might seem. His willingness to risk his career and safety to help those in need teaches us that standing up for what’s right can come with significant personal sacrifice, but the difference it makes is monumental. It’s so inspiring to think about how Sugihara’s kindness and determination saved so many lives and continues to resonate with us today. His story encourages all of us to look around and consider who we can support and how we can speak out against injustice, no matter the scale. So, I’d love to hear your thoughts: What does it mean to be an upstander in today’s world, and how do you think we can bring a bit of Sugihara’s spirit into our own lives?
