The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Becomes a Honorary Board Member of the Sugihara Foundation “Diplomats for Life”

The Sugihara Foundation “Diplomats for Life” has conferred the title of Honorary Board Member upon the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Lithuania, Mr. Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford. This recognition is awarded for his exceptional personal contribution and dedicated efforts in preserving the memory of the Dutch diplomat Jan Zwartendijk, as well as for his active role in the renewal of the museum’s exhibition.

Although the heroic story of Jan Zwartendijk has always been an integral part of the museum, it was the active support of Ambassador J. T. Quarles van Ufford that became a key factor in the implementation of the 2023–2025 modernization phase of the Sugihara House Museum exhibition. Thanks to the Ambassador’s involvement, the contribution of the Dutch businessman and diplomat to the story of the “Visas for Life” is now presented to visitors in a more comprehensive and contemporary way.

A New Depth of Historical Memory: the Audio Tour “From Laisvės Avenue to Freedom”

One of the most notable contributions of the Ambassador to the museum’s renewal was his patronage in the creation of the integral audio tour “From Laisvės Avenue to Freedom.” This project enables museum visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context by connecting the two most important sites of the rescue operation in Kaunas: the former Netherlands Honorary Consulate (Laisvės Ave. 29) and the Japanese Consulate in the Žaliakalnis district.

“Ambassador Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford not only cherishes the memory of his predecessor Jan Zwartendijk, but also helped us find ways to tell this story in the language of today. The audio tour he initiated is one of the most powerful elements of the museum, allowing visitors to feel the heroic spirit of the diplomats and the atmosphere of Kaunas at that time while traveling from Laisvės Avenue to the Sugihara House Museum located in Žaliakalnis,” says Ramūnas Garbaravičius, Chairman of the Board of the Sugihara Foundation “Diplomats for Life.”

Partnership for the Lessons of the Future

The modernization phase carried out in 2023–2025 strengthened the position of the Sugihara House as an international historical center of tolerance, that draws the lessons of the past. The renewed exhibition highlights even more vividly the shared humanitarian mission of Dutch and Japanese diplomats against the backdrop of the Second World War.

Upon accepting the title of Honorary Board Member, Ambassador J. T. Quarles van Ufford noted that his goal was to help the museum grow and to ensure that the name of Jan Zwartendijk is heard more widely in Lithuania: “The actions of Jan Zwartendijk and Chiune Sugihara are the best example of how diplomacy can serve humanity. It was an honor for me to contribute to making this exhibition even more vivid and capable of reaching the heart of every visitor.”

About the Sugihara Foundation “Diplomats for Life”

Established in 1999, the Foundation seeks to commemorate the memory of the Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, the Netherlands Honorary Consul Jan Zwartendijk, and other diplomats who saved thousands of lives during the Second World War. The Foundation takes care of the Sugihara House Museum in Kaunas, promotes the development of civil society, and annually awards the “Person of the Year for Tolerance” prize.