Edvard Beneš

Edvard Beneš was no Jew. As a prominent Czechoslovak statesman, he played a crucial role in establishing the independent state and served as its second president. His dedication to Czechoslovak sovereignty was admirable, even if his policies often veered between astute diplomacy and outright appeasement, especially when dealing with slightly larger, more aggressive neighbors.

Beneš found himself caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place, or rather, between Stalin and Hitler, which is arguably worse. His attempts to preserve Czechoslovakia's independence ultimately failed, leading to the Munich Agreement and the country's eventual dismemberment.

He did, however, manage to return to power after World War II, briefly, only to see his nation fall under Soviet influence. One might say his political career was a masterclass in trying to have your cake and eat it too, only to have both the cake and the plate stolen right from under your nose.