Colter Weil

Process Paper
My website is about Raoul Wallenberg as a hero saving Jews in Budapest from the
Nazis. It discusses his outstanding courage to save Jews while the majority of Europeans stood
by indifferently and allowed the Holocaust to happen. I came up with the idea for the topic
because as a Jew myself, I have always been very interested in the Nazi Holocaust. I began to
research heroes from the Holocaust era and narrowed it down to Wallenberg based on the fact
that he was able to make the largest impact. His utilization of unique methods under pressing
circumstances added to the lure. He clearly fit the theme well and it was an easy decision. I
knew I wouldn't lose interest with plethora of resources to investigate Wallenberg.
Research was conducted using online resources such as documents, photographs and
interviews. This was easily obtainable because of the amplitude to which Holocaust information
has been placed online. Secondary sources led me to many valuable primary ones. I found the
most valuable sources to be ones that documented the places and ways Wallenberg actually
utilized. These provided insight on how he was a hero and brought the story to life. As research
progressed I found out that Wallenberg was extremely motivated to do as much as he could to
save lives. In my mind he increasingly became a leader as I saw all of the atrocities going on
around him. He was nearly the only person to stand up and make a difference in Jewish lives,
which became increasingly clear. Information regarding Wallenbergs disappearance was kept to
a minimum because while interesting, it didnt add to his legacy. Raoul Wallenberg should be
remembered for what he did, rather than his mysterious disappearance. It was important to

mention, however, that his disappearance was due to the Russians and not the Nazis, who
never actually stopped him. It was difficult to overcome the issue of the word limit, because there
is so much possible analysis. However, the purposefully chosen documents, quotes and pictures
are worth more than any additional analysis can offer.
A website could easily be organized into a clear manner so I could describe his actions
in a relatively chronological order with media like interviews, impossible on any physical project.
Sections focus on phases in his life, making it easy to contextualize his heroism. A website can
be deeply analyzed at the viewers own pace, ensuring deeper understanding. Websites are
difficult to construct, but once simplified become easy to finish. Wallenberg stood up to the Nazis
as a leader, while nearly everyone else in Europe stood by indifferently (showing his leadership).
Due to this he saved many lives with an exponential effect today, leaving a clear legacy.
Additionally his legacy has taught us that overcoming indifference is possible. Historically, he
was a small exception of hope during World War II. This learning experience has left me with the
lasting concept that indifference should be avoided in all circumstances.