The whole world needs to know the story of the Arab who saved the Jews

August 06, 2014

Writer

The Righteous Among the Nations. They are the ones who stood when it mattered, knowing that their actions, if discovered, would bring an immediate and brutal death sentence. Glenn's talked about them many times. But there’s one story among the thousands that stands out from the rest - and for a reason you would never expect. You've probably never heard this story before, which is a travesty because if this man's name was known far and wide the world would be a better place.

Tonight on The Glenn Beck Program, Glenn told the story of the kind of man the world desperately needs right now.

Below is a transcript of the monologue:

Well, if you look at all the news around the world, our job is to help you figure out how it all fits together and where we’re supposed to go, what do we do about it, how do we fix it?

Right now, too many people will talk about their political interest or even their national interests, and we need to talk about our values and our principles. We feel like we don’t belong to anything because we don’t have context, we don’t have perspective, and nobody is helping us say, “Well, wait a minute, what do we belong to?” Besides a party or even if we belong to a country, what does that country stand for?

We don’t understand what’s going on around the globe, and we can’t fix it because we’re only talking about interests. And you can look at this on Israel and Hamas. What is in the national interest of Israel? What is Hamas, in their religious interest, what are they doing? You don’t know who the good guys or the bad guys are, and if you’re watching the news, you’re being shown Israel as a bully to these poor Palestinians. Nobody likes a bully, right?

Sometimes the best way to understand is to go back in history when values and principles were really clear so you can see the patterns – have we seen this before? Has there been a solution before? That’s where I want to start tonight, in history, but we’re also going to talk to you about a border, an amazing story that nobody really is covering, the murder of a border agent, border patrol who was killed by an illegal who we had in custody four times, and each time we let him go with a $10 fine. Now he has killed one of our border agents.

And Dana Loesch is going to be joining us with a frank conversation on Stage 19, but I want to start again with history. And I wanted to tell you about the Righteous Among the Nations. Righteous Among the Nations, these are the people that actually went, and they risked their lives. They weren’t Jewish, but they risked their lives for somebody else. And they’re the ones who stood when it mattered, knowing that their actions if discovered would bring immediate and brutal death sentences, not just for them, but for their whole family.

We have talked about them many times on our broadcasts over the years, but there is one story among the thousands that stands out from the rest and for a reason that I don’t think you’d ever expect, and it will help us find our values and principles, how do we understand what’s happening in the world, and what are we supposed to do?

I’d never heard this story before until one of my producers brought it to me. You probably haven’t heard about it either, which is a travesty, because if this man’s name was known far and wide, the world would be a better place, and we’d be able to help see a path to peace. Now, let me tell you about the kind of man the world desperately needs right now.

He was a doctor. He was living in Berlin, Germany, and the year was 1942. Hitler’s death machinery was in full tilt. They were slaughtering Jews by the millions. Most were too terrified to do anything. I didn’t understand this when I first went over to Poland, and they were talking about how they were just arresting Jews out in the street. And I said, “There’s windows here. What happened to all these people? Why didn’t they look out?” You would be killed if you even moved the curtain to be able to look out.

Remember those pictures that we saw in Boston where we had our own FBI snipers looking at the windows, somebody looked out? That was the kind of situation it was in. You don’t look at the windows pretty soon. If you provided a Jew with any food, you’d get arrested, you’d be tried, and then you and your whole family would be killed. The consequences were very, very clear, and they were frightening.

So when it came time for a Nazi sweep of Berlin, tensions extremely high, any Jew found hiding or living in the city would be deported. In other words, they’d be sent away to die in a concentration camp. Well, that’s where we meet 21-year-old Anna Boros Gutman. Her mother and her grandparents shook with fear along with Anna. What were they going to do? Here come the Germans making another sweep. It was only a matter of time before the Nazis would condemn them, and they would die in one of the concentration camps as so many before them.

No one dared help them, let them into their house. There was too much hate, too much fear. Even if people wanted to help, the risk was just too great for most people, and the S.S. was coming. This was it, nowhere to turn. There they sat thinking we are going to suffer the same fate as so many before us. And then suddenly they heard a voice. A voice called out quietly, “Come with me, come on, hurry.”

It was her family physician. He took Anna and her family to his cabin. It was Anna, her mother, her stepfather, and her grandmother. Now, this doctor had decided to risk his life, his family’s life. How was he even going to feed them? Because everything was food rationed. You started needing more rations, who are you hiding? Eventually Anna’s family was sheltered in different locations, but Anna remained at the doctor’s cabin stowed away in a secret bunker on the cabin’s property.

I can’t imagine the terrifying moments when the S.S. came knocking, pounding on the door, searching the cabin, and they came frequently. But the doctor was smart, he would either step aside or talk his way through the interrogations. It had to be just as terrifying for him as it was for Anna because they would both die; both of their families would die. Would she panic? Would they find her? Would he slip? Would he give something away? What was going to happen next? Would someone rat them out?

This went on for two solid years. 1944, her mom and stepmom captured, Anna was still in the cabin. During their interrogation, the Nazis found out about the doctor and Anna. Now, they’re in trouble. The S.S. immediately set out for the cabin. When the doctors arrived or when the S.S. arrived, the doctor was there. He answered the door. He showed them around. He was confident.

He had outmaneuver the Nazis many times before, and this time he did it again. He had moved Anna to another home so she was safe, and the doctor escape punishment, and Anna was safe. She said later, “Doctor Helmy did everything for me out of the generosity of his heart and I will be grateful to him for eternity.”

Now, so what’s the catch? Why am I telling you this story? Because there’s a million of these stories, except this one is different. What is the catch to this story? Because we’ve heard them over and over again. It’s similar to all of the other Righteous Among the Nations, except this one big difference, the doctor’s name. The doctor’s name was Mohammed Helmy. He’s an Arab. He’s from Egypt. He stood up to the Nazis.

He knew, unlike so many people in the Middle East now that are running countries, he knew the Holocaust was real, and he stepped in and faced evil, stared it right in the eye and saved a family. That flies in the face of just about every societal rule at the time, and he did it. Well, he has been inducted as one of the Righteous Among the Nations, Dr. Helmy, the first Egyptian. In fact, he’s the first Arab to be named part of the Righteous Among the Nations. Imagine that, an Arab saving the life of a Jew. Why?

This isn’t likely in most places around the globe even today, but boy, could the world, especially the Middle East, use a dose and read a little bit more about people like Dr. Helmy. Instead, we have the opposite. Why did he do it? Because he knew principles and values. It wasn’t about even his own self-interest. It wasn’t about the interest of his race. It was about principles and values. He knew this was wrong.

Unfortunately, when he passed away in 1982, Yad Vashem had to track him down or track his family down and ask the family to come in and accept the award at Yad Vashem. They found three of his descendants living in Cairo. When they finally got in touch with them to present the award, the family declined it. They said, “If any other country offered to honor Helmy, we would have been happy with it.”

How said that is. The incredible legacy this man left for his family, peace, love, self-sacrifice, look beyond your own personal interest, look beyond the interests of your country. He risked his own life because he believed and was motivated by his values that I would imagine sounded a little bit like ours, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. If he were motivated by his own interests, he wouldn’t have saved anyone. It would’ve been too risky.

Everyone should know this story. Everyone should know this story, especially in the Middle East, so the kids would follow that example, they would know that the Holocaust was real and that an Arab did indeed save a Jew. Maybe if that happened, the next generation of Palestinians and Jews would not know hate, they would love one another. And if we all knew this story, maybe, just maybe, we would all begin to change the world.

The Woodrow Wilson strategy to get out of Mother’s Day

Stock Montage / Contributor, Xinhua News Agency / Contributor | Getty Images

I’ve got a potentially helpful revelation that’s gonna blow the lid off your plans for this Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day.

Yeah, that sacred day where you’re guilt-tripped into buying flowers, braving crowded brunch buffets, and pretending you didn’t forget to mail the card. But what if I told you… you don’t have to do it? That’s right, there’s a loophole, a get-out-of-Mother’s-Day-free card, and it’s stamped with the name of none other than… Woodrow Wilson (I hate that guy).

Back in 1914, ol’ Woody Wilson signed a proclamation that officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday. Second Sunday in May, every year. He said it was a day to “publicly express our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Sounds sweet, right? Until you peel back the curtain.

See, Wilson wasn’t some sentimental guy sitting around knitting doilies for his mom. No, no, no. This was a calculated move.

The idea for Mother’s Day had been floating around for decades, pushed by influential voices like Julia Ward Howe. By 1911, states were jumping on the bandwagon, but it took Wilson to make it federal. Why? Because he was a master of optics. This guy loved big, symbolic gestures to distract from the real stuff he was up to, like, oh, I don’t know, reshaping the entire federal government!

So here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an excuse to skip Mother’s Day, just lean into this. Say, “Sorry, Mom, I’m not celebrating a holiday cooked up by Woodrow Wilson!” I mean, think about it – this is the guy who gave us the Federal Reserve, the income tax, and don’t even get me started on his assault on basic liberties during World War I. You wanna trust THAT guy with your Sunday plans? I don’t think so! You tell your mom, “Look, I love you, but I’m not observing a Progressive holiday. I’m keeping my brunch money in protest.”

Now, I know what you might be thinking.

“Glenn, my mom’s gonna kill me if I try this.” Fair point. Moms can be scary. But hear me out: you can spin this. Tell her you’re honoring her EVERY DAY instead of some government-mandated holiday. You don’t need Wilson’s permission to love your mom! You can bake her a cake in June, call her in July, or, here’s a wild idea, visit her WITHOUT a Woodrow Wilson federal proclamation guilting you into it.

Shocking Christian massacres unveiled

Aldara Zarraoa / Contributor | Getty Images

Is a Christian Genocide unfolding overseas?

Recent reports suggest an alarming escalation in violence against Christians, raising questions about whether these acts constitute genocide under international law. Recently, Glenn hosted former U.S. Army Special Forces Sniper Tim Kennedy, who discussed a predictive model that forecasts a surge in global Christian persecution for the summer of 2025.

From Africa to Asia and the Middle East, extreme actions—some described as genocidal—have intensified over the past year. Over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution, a number that continues to climb. With rising international concern, the United Nations and human rights groups are urging protective measures by the global community. Is a Christian genocide being waged in the far corners of the globe? Where are they taking place, and what is being done?

India: Hindu Extremist Violence Escalates

Yawar Nazir / Contributor | Getty Images

In India, attacks on Christians have surged as Hindu extremist groups gain influence within the country. In February 2025, Hindu nationalist leader Aadesh Soni organized a 50,000-person rally in Chhattisgarh, where he called for the rape and murder of all Christians in nearby villages and demanded the execution of Christian leaders to erase Christianity. Other incidents include forced conversions, such as a June 2024 attack in Chhattisgarh, where a Hindu mob gave Christian families a 10-day ultimatum to convert to Hinduism. In December 2024, a Christian man in Uttar Pradesh was attacked, forcibly converted, and paraded while the mob chanted "Death to Jesus."

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommends designating India a "Country of Particular Concern" and imposing targeted sanctions on those perpetrating these attacks. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the rising tide of religious violence in India.

Syria: Sectarian Violence Post-Regime Change

LOUAI BESHARA / Contributor | Getty Images

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has seen a wave of sectarian violence targeting religious minorities, including Christians, with over 1,000 killed in early 2025. It remains unclear whether Christians are deliberately targeted or caught in broader conflicts, but many fear persecution by the new regime or extremist groups. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a dominant rebel group and known al-Qaeda splinter group now in power, is known for anti-Christian sentiments, heightening fears of increased persecution.

Christians, especially converts from Islam, face severe risks in the unstable post-regime environment. The international community is calling for humanitarian aid and protection for Syria’s vulnerable minority communities.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A "Silent Genocide"

Hugh Kinsella Cunningham / Stringer | Getty Images

In February 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an ISIS-affiliated group, beheaded 70 Christians—men, women, and children—in a Protestant church in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, after tying their hands. This horrific massacre, described as a "silent genocide" reminiscent of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has shocked the global community.

Since 1996, the ADF and other militias have killed over six million people, with Christians frequently targeted. A Christmas 2024 attack killed 46, further decimating churches in the region. With violence escalating, humanitarian organizations are urging immediate international intervention to address the crisis.

POLL: Starbase exposed: Musk’s vision or corporate takeover?

MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor | Getty Images

Is Starbase the future of innovation or a step too far?

Elon Musk’s ambitious Starbase project in South Texas is reshaping Boca Chica into a cutting-edge hub for SpaceX’s Starship program, promising thousands of jobs and a leap toward Mars colonization. Supporters see Musk as a visionary, driving economic growth and innovation in a historically underserved region. However, local critics, including Brownsville residents and activists, argue that SpaceX’s presence raises rents, restricts beach access, and threatens environmental harm, with Starbase’s potential incorporation as a city sparking fears of unchecked corporate control. As pro-Musk advocates clash with anti-Musk skeptics, will Starbase unite the community or deepen the divide?

Let us know what you think in the poll below:

Is Starbase’s development a big win for South Texas?

Should Starbase become its own city?

Is Elon Musk’s vision more of a benefit than a burden for the region?

Shocking truth behind Trump-Zelenskyy mineral deal unveiled

Chip Somodevilla / Staff | Getty Images

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have finalized a landmark agreement that will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. The agreement focuses on mineral access and war recovery.

After a tense March meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy signed a deal on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, granting the U.S. preferential mineral rights in Ukraine in exchange for continued military support. Glenn analyzed an earlier version of the agreement in March, when Zelenskyy rejected it, highlighting its potential benefits for America, Ukraine, and Europe. Glenn praised the deal’s strategic alignment with U.S. interests, including reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and fostering regional peace.

However, the agreement signed this week differs from the March proposal Glenn praised. Negotiations led to significant revisions, reflecting compromises on both sides. What changes were made? What did each leader seek, and what did they achieve? How will this deal impact the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and global geopolitics? Below, we break down the key aspects of the agreement.

What did Trump want?

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

Trump aimed to curb what many perceive as Ukraine’s overreliance on U.S. aid while securing strategic advantages for America. His primary goals included obtaining reimbursement for the billions in military aid provided to Ukraine, gaining exclusive access to Ukraine’s valuable minerals (such as titanium, uranium, and lithium), and reducing Western dependence on China for critical resources. These minerals are essential for aerospace, energy, and technology sectors, and Trump saw their acquisition as a way to bolster U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Additionally, he sought to advance peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning the U.S. as a key mediator.

Ultimately, Trump secured preferential—but not exclusive—rights to extract Ukraine’s minerals through the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, as outlined in the agreement. The U.S. will not receive reimbursement for past aid, but future military contributions will count toward the joint fund, designed to support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace negotiations under U.S. leadership aligns with Trump’s goal of resolving the conflict, giving him leverage in discussions with Russia.

These outcomes partially meet Trump’s objectives. The preferential mineral rights strengthen U.S. access to critical resources, but the lack of exclusivity and reimbursement limits the deal’s financial benefits. The peace commitment, however, positions Trump as a central figure in shaping the war’s resolution, potentially enhancing his diplomatic influence.

What did Zelenskyy want?

Global Images Ukraine / Contributor | Getty Images

Zelenskyy sought to sustain U.S. military and economic support without the burden of repaying past aid, which has been critical for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. He also prioritized reconstruction funds to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn economy and infrastructure. Security guarantees from the U.S. to deter future Russian aggression were a key demand, though controversial, as they risked entangling America in long-term commitments. Additionally, Zelenskyy aimed to retain control over Ukraine’s mineral wealth to safeguard national sovereignty and align with the country’s European Union membership aspirations.

The final deal delivered several of Zelenskyy’s priorities. The reconstruction fund, supported by future U.S. aid, provides a financial lifeline for Ukraine’s recovery without requiring repayment of past assistance. Ukraine retained ownership of its subsoil and decision-making authority over mineral extraction, granting only preferential access to the U.S. However, Zelenskyy conceded on security guarantees, a significant compromise, and agreed to pursue peace talks under Trump’s leadership, which may involve territorial or political concessions to Russia.

Zelenskyy’s outcomes reflect a delicate balance. The reconstruction fund and retained mineral control bolster Ukraine’s economic and sovereign interests, but the absence of security guarantees and pressure to negotiate peace could strain domestic support and challenge Ukraine’s long-term stability.

What does this mean for the future?

Handout / Handout | Getty Images

While Trump didn’t secure all his demands, the deal advances several of his broader strategic goals. By gaining access to Ukraine’s mineral riches, the U.S. undermines China’s dominance over critical elements like lithium and graphite, essential for technology and energy industries. This shift reduces American and European dependence on Chinese supply chains, strengthening Western industrial and tech sectors. Most significantly, the agreement marks a pivotal step toward peace in Europe. Ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has claimed thousands of lives, is a top priority for Trump, and Zelenskyy’s commitment to U.S.-led peace talks enhances Trump’s leverage in negotiations with Russia. Notably, the deal avoids binding U.S. commitments to Ukraine’s long-term defense, preserving flexibility for future administrations.

The deal’s broader implications align with the vision Glenn outlined in March, when he praised its potential to benefit America, Ukraine, and Europe by securing resources and creating peace. While the final agreement differs from Glenn's hopes, it still achieves key goals he outlined.

Glenn's Show Prep