On September 10, 2016, The Nichi Bei Foundation under the leadership of Board Chair Kiyomi Tanaka and Founder Kenji Taguma presented a benefit screening of, “Persona Non Grata: The Story of Chiune Sugihara” (released in Tokyo, 2015). The film which was directed by Cellin Gluck, depicts the life of Chiune Sugihara a Japanese Diplomat stationed in Lithuania during World War II. At that time, Sugihara defied his government by issuing visas to over 6,000 Jews who were trying to escape Nazi persecution. In 1984 Yad Vashem recognized Chiune-Sempo Sugihara as Righteous Among the Nations. Estimates suggest that today there are over 40,000 descendants of those blessed to receive visas thanks to Sugihara. One particularly special aspect of the event was the meeting of those descendants with Sugihara’s granddaughter and great-grandson.
Sugihara’s granddaughter Madoka Sugihara (Tokyo) met Debby Graudenz (Berkeley), the daughter of Rabbi Samuel Graudenz who received a life-saving visa from Sugihara. Debby shared the actual visa stamped by Sugihara and a suitcase full of documents and photographs related to her father’s incredible escape thanks to Sugihara’s bravery. The suitcase which the Graudenz’s coined the “Sugihara Suitcase,” was treasured by the family who saw it as a symbol of Sugihara’s kindness.
The evening was a celebration of Sugihara, but also a celebration of the strong ties between the Jewish and Japanese communities here in San Francisco. Both Consul General Andy David and Japanese Consul Mizuho Hayakawa came together to show their heartfelt appreciation for Sugihara whose courage and compassion will never be forgotten.