Otto Fleischmann

Otto Fleischmann, although originally a juris doctor, studied philosophy with Moritz Schlick at the University of Vienna and in 1938, became a psychoanalyst under the mentorship of August Aichhorn.

He served as Secretary and Vice President of the WPV until his emigration to the United States to join the faculty of the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas.

In 1944, with the German occupation of Hungary, he received diplomatic protection from the Swedish Foreign Ministry through a Schutzpass provided by Raoul Wallenberg.

Pál Szalai supported his friend Karoly Szabo with important personal documents, signed by the German command in the Battle of Budapest.

Otto Fleischmann prepared Karoly Szabo psychologically for the rescue actions, and the intuitive decision to purchase a leather coat was another key factor.

The black leather trench coat, was a means of inspiring fear and respect, and the subsequent Hollywood image of the black-clad, trench-coated Gestapo officer has entered popular culture.