Sousa Mendes was deeply troubled by the terrible conditions Bordeaux’s refugees were experiencing and the danger they faced. “On 13 November 1939, he received — like every other Portuguese diplomat abroad — a circular from the foreign ministry, which radically called into question Portugal’s centuries-old tradition of hospitality and officially introduced a hitherto unknown element of racial or religious segregation into the question of immigration.” (José Alain Fralon) Although he was banned from issuing visas to refugees, he invited many to stay in his home. But in his heart, he felt called to do more.