It takes a strong moral and spiritual grounding to be able to risk one’s life and family to hide a person fleeing persecution and sure death.
I hope the film “Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War,” causes us to reflect on our own ability to take such risks should darkness ever descend upon our beloved country.
For those seeking more information concerning rescuers, prior to, and during the Holocaust, I suggest the following books.
Eva Fogelman’s “Conscience and Courage: Rescuers of Jews During the Holocaust”; Gay Block’s “Rescuers: Portraits of Moral Courage in the Holocaust”; Samuel Oliner’s “The Altruistic Spirit: Rescuers of Jews in Nazi Europe”; Andy Marino’s “A Quiet American: The Secret War of Varian Fry”; and lastly, but most importantly, “Surrender on Demand” by Varian Fry who died unrecognized for his incredible efforts.
I also suggest the animation “Rescue Over the Mountains” which blends comic book-style illustrations and period film to show Fry’s work. see www.theyspokeout.com
Ken Schoen
South Deerfield