Marking the 80th anniversary of the White Buses rescue mission, the Swedish Red Cross and the Swedish Holocaust Museum have launched a new digital platform bringing together stories, photographs and documents from one of the most significant humanitarian operations of the Second World War. 

During the final months of the Second World War, the Swedish Red Cross led the White Buses mission, which brought around 15,000 people — many rescued from Nazi concentration camps — to safety in Sweden. 

“The White Buses operation is one of our largest and best-known humanitarian efforts. Through this collaboration, we can share important stories from both those who were rescued and those who made the operation possible,” says Ulrika Modéer, Secretary General of the Swedish Red Cross. 

The new website also includes educational resources and was accompanied by a public program series that was hosted at the Swedish Holocaust Museum.  

“The White Buses are a key part of Sweden’s history. Making these stories accessible helps us understand both the courage and complexity of humanitarian action during wartime,” says Katty Hauptman, Director of Swedish Holocaust Museum. 

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