BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
QUEZON DECISIONS VS
USA GOVERNMENT ON
SAVING MORE THAN A
THOUSAND JEWS
HISTORY
PRESENTED BY
GROUP 4
HISTORY
During World War II, many Jews sought
refuge in different countries due to the
persecution and extermination they faced
under the Nazi regime. One surprising place
that offered sanctuary was the Philippines,
thanks to the compassionate decisions
made by President Manuel Quezon.
BISCAN,BUDAY
& DEANON
HISTORY
During the 1935 transition towards
Philippine independence, Manuel
Quezon became the first president
of the Commonwealth. He
displayed visionary leadership by
recognizing the importance of
providing humanitarian aid to
those in need, regardless of their
ethnicity or religion. When he
learned about the atrocities
against Jews in Europe, Quezon
made a courageous decision to
offer refuge to Jewish refugees in
the Philippines.
BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
HISTORY
Quezon's decision to rescue and resettle Jewish refugees in the Philippines faced
resistance from the USA government, which had colonial authority over the country.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration was already dealing with its own
challenges during the war, including concerns about diverting resources like ships
and transportation. Accepting refugees also raised fears of strained diplomatic
relations, particularly with Japan, the occupying power in the Philippines during the
war.
BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
Despite the objections and challenges, Quezon remained resolute in his
commitment to saving as many Jewish lives as possible. In 1938, he established the
Philippines' Open Door Policy, which allowed Jewish refugees to enter the country
without the need for visas. Quezon's administration actively facilitated the
migration of Jewish families, providing them with visas, travel arrangements, and
even financial assistance to help them start anew in the Philippines.
BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
HISTORY
Quezon's efforts went beyond mere words and promises. He personally met with
Jewish leaders and organizations, including the Jewish-American Joint Distribution
Committee, to discuss the logistics of the rescue operation. Quezon even went as
far as authorizing the creation of a resettlement colony named "Marikina" in the
Philippines, specifically designated for Jewish refugees.
BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
HISTORY
By 1941, more than a thousand Jewish refugees had found safety and refuge in the
Philippines, thanks to Manuel Quezon's unwavering determination. Sadly, the outbreak
of World War II and the subsequent Japanese occupation of the Philippines disrupted
further rescue efforts. Despite these challenges, Quezon's actions undoubtedly saved
countless lives and offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of the Holocaust.
BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
HISTORY
It is important to highlight that Quezon's decision to save Jewish refugees was
not without risk. Providing sanctuary to Jews in the Philippines defied the
prevailing anti-Semitic sentiments of the time and went against the policies of
many other countries that turned their backs on those in need. Quezon's moral
compass and his unwavering commitment to humanitarian values set him apart
as a leader who prioritized human lives above political considerations.
JEWISH
HISTORY
Today, Manuel Quezon's
decision to save more than a
thousand Jews remains a
testament to the power of
compassion and courage in the
face of adversity. His actions
serve as a reminder that even
in the darkest times, there are
individuals who rise above the
prevailing norms and make a
difference through their
unwavering commitment to
humanity.
BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
HISTORY
The monument dedicated to the Philippines for providing refuge to
European Jews stands in the city of Rishon LeZion, Israel.
MONUMENT
BISCAN,BUDAY
&DEANON
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TIME!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!