Michael Shenstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Shenstone
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Shenstone in 2012
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| Born | June 25, 1928 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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| Died | September 9, 2019 (aged 91) Toronto, Ontario
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
| Known for | Playing a role in the rescue of American diplomats in Iran |
Michael Shenstone (born June 25, 1928 – died September 9, 2019) was a Canadian diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He worked for Canada in many important roles around the world. He is especially known for helping to rescue six American diplomats during a difficult time in Iran in 1979.
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Michael Shenstone: A Canadian Diplomat
Michael Shenstone was born in Toronto, Canada. He chose a career as a diplomat. This meant he worked for the Canadian government to build good relationships with other countries. He often lived and worked in different parts of the world.
Important Roles Around the World
Throughout his career, Michael Shenstone held many important jobs. He was Canada's ambassador to Saudi Arabia. An ambassador is the highest-ranking diplomat representing their country in another nation. He also served as Canada's ambassador to Austria.
Shenstone also represented Canada in important talks about disarmament. This means he worked on agreements to reduce weapons. He was also a director for African and Middle Eastern Affairs for Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs.
The "Canadian Caper"
One of Michael Shenstone's most famous roles was helping to rescue six American diplomats. This happened during the Iranian Revolution in 1979. These American diplomats managed to escape when their embassy was taken over.
They needed a safe place to hide. Michael Shenstone, along with other Canadian diplomats, helped them. They secretly kept the Americans safe in Canada's embassy and in the homes of Canadian diplomats. This secret rescue mission became known as the "Canadian Caper."
The "Argo" Movie
Years later, in 2012, a movie called Argo was made about the "Canadian Caper." The movie showed how the American diplomats were rescued. Michael Shenstone and an American diplomat named Robert Anders later talked about the real events. They compared their experiences to what was shown in the film.
Michael Shenstone passed away peacefully in Toronto on September 9, 2019.
