314 Session 3: 9-2-2010

Authentic Hero


It seems rare to me these days to hear about stories of people helping others simply because they felt that it was the right thing to do. Often I see life in a way that says everyone is out for themselves, because it appears that if we live any differently, we will get stepped all over. It is sad to me that at times we do not take a chance to leave our own feelings behind and make a difference to somebody else, no matter how big or small. However, sometimes I get encouraged by the incredible things that people have done in the past. This week I was inspired by the story of Giorgio Perlasca, who is thought to be an authentic Italian hero. Giorgio Perlasca was a humble man whose life told a fascinating and courageous story.

Because I was not personally able to view the movie about Giorgio Perlasca, I have a general understanding of his life; but it was enough for me to be inspired by his greatness. Perlasca was in the Balkans during World War II, working to get supplies for the Italian army. He was a strong fascist, which caused him to be captured during the Nazi preoccupation in Budapest. However, Perlasca had connections with the Spanish government from his military service during the Spanish Civil War, and he knew that he would be safe if he made it to the Spanish Embassy. However, during the time that he was captured, he realized the plan of the Nazis to kill all the Jews. It was at the Spanish Embassy, when everyone else was leaving for safety, that Perlasca made the decision that turned him into a hero. He chose to stay at the embassy, pretending to be the Spanish ambassador, and do everything in his power to save as many Jews as possible from their sure death.

Wow, what a truly impressive story to tell! As I reiterate the facts that are probably better known by others than me, I am amazed at the strength that one man could have. He had no real connection to the people that he was risking his life for, yet he found a way to put himself in their shoes and realize that life was not meant to end for all those people at that time, especially in that way. In my opinion, this is exactly what makes him and Authentic Italian Hero. Authentic is another way to say original, something that is not able to be made again. The fact that Perlasca was able to take himself and his own feelings out of the situation and think about the well being of others is what makes him such a legitimate hero to me. It is something so rare, in the past as well as today, that we marvel at stories like that of Perlasca for years to follow.

When I contemplate the idea of an authentic hero, I do not usually picture something so extravagant as the story of Perlasca. I usually bring the thought down to a more personal level that I can relate a little more to. For example, my mom is one of those people that have the qualities of an authentic hero. Of course she has never made a choice that has put herself in great danger to save thousands of lives, but she lives every day with the attitude that Perlasca had. I always see her sitting her own feelings aside in order to do things for others. Specifically, my mom spends nearly all of her time taking care of the needs of my elderly grandparents, and it’s something that she does without hesitation. And I believe that her dedication to them has saved their lives in many ways.

This is a really personal example to me, but I believe that it is the best example I can give of an authentic hero, because in many ways it reminds me of the attitude that Perlasca had. Even though he did something monumental, he never told anyone his story. It was not until years later that his story was found, written down by Perlasca, in a table drawer. Perlasca’s humility and humble behavior impresses me so much, and also reminds me of how my mom handles her situations in life. It is about service and sacrifice—two things that everyone should focus a little more time on, including myself. In my opinion, the people that do this, whether anybody else knows it or not, are the true authentic heroes. I am so grateful to have been reminded by that heroes exist, in the past and still today. It is truly something to learn from.