Who could imagine a life that spanned from escaping a Nazi labor camp to the halls of Congress? Here at the Tom Lantos Statue, we encounter just such a story. The statue, nestled on Tom Lantos Promenade, depicts a seated Lantos with his beloved dogs, a testament to a life that defied all odds. Tom Lantos, born Tamás Péter Lantos in Budapest in 1928, was the only Holocaust survivor to ever serve in the U.S. Congress. The Tom Lantos Statue serves as a poignant reminder of his journey. As a teenager, Lantos was imprisoned in a forced labor camp near Budapest. He escaped, was caught and beaten, then escaped again. He survived the war thanks to Raoul Wallenberg’s network of safe houses. Lantos even worked as a courier for Wallenberg, carrying messages and supplies throughout Budapest. This statue isn’t just bronze and a red patina; it’s a symbol of resilience. After the war, Lantos discovered the devastating truth: his mother and other relatives had perished in the Holocaust. At just 19, he journeyed to the United States on an academic scholarship. The Tom Lantos Statue in Budapest stands near his former high school, a tangible link to his early life. Lantos became a U.S. Representative for California, serving from 1981 until his death in 2008. He was a tireless advocate for human rights, co-founding the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. He frequently returned to his homeland, warning against anti-Semitism and supporting Hungarian minorities. The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and the Budapest-based Tom Lantos Institute continue his legacy today. The Tom Lantos Statue captures not only his physical likeness but the spirit of a man who faced unimaginable adversity and emerged as a champion for democracy and human rights. His words, “The veneer of civilization is paper thin. We are its guardians, and we can never rest,” resonate deeply, especially here at his memorial. Let his story inspire us to safeguard that thin veneer and fight for the inherent dignity of every person.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to