The Heroic Efforts Of Varian Fry And Mary Jayne Gold In WWII: A Tale Of Courage

Often compared to Oskar Schindler, Varian Fry helped over a thousand refugees escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Mary Jayne Gold is the heiress who funded and assisted his efforts. Their incredible tale of heroism is the subject of the new television drama Transatlantic, which is now streaming on Netflix.

The Formation of the Emergency Rescue Committee

In 1940, as the Nazi regime tightened its grip on Europe, a group of around 200 Americans came together to form the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC). This private relief group aimed to rescue artists, writers, and intellectuals who were being targeted by the Nazis. With the help of prominent figures, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, they sought to provide emergency visas to those in danger.

The ERC's mission was critical as it helped save many prominent figures, including artists Marc Chagall and Max Ernst, and philosopher Hannah Arendt. The urgency of the situation was palpable, prompting individuals from various backgrounds to step forward and offer their assistance. Varian Fry, a passionate journalist, was among those who volunteered to represent the committee in France.

Varian Fry's Early Life and Inspiration

Varian Fry was born on October 15, 1907, in New York City. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong desire to help others, organizing fundraisers for the American Red Cross during World War I when he was just nine years old. However, Fry also had a rebellious streak, leading to his temporary expulsion from Harvard University before he graduated in 1931 with a degree in economics.

In 1935, Fry's visit to Germany opened his eyes to the realities of the Nazi regime. He met Ernst Hanfstaengl, a German-American official in the Propaganda Ministry, who revealed the horrifying intentions of Nazi leaders towards the Jewish population. Fry's firsthand experiences of an anti-Semitic riot in Berlin influenced his decision to join the ERC, as he understood the dire consequences that awaited refugees.

Fry's Work with the ERC

Upon arriving in Marseille on August 5, 1940, Fry was determined to rescue as many refugees as possible. Initially tasked with helping around 200 individuals, he quickly realized the scale of the crisis as thousands flooded the south of France seeking aid. French authorities were uncooperative, and Fry had to rely on cunning and deception to assist those in need.

Fry's team employed various strategies, including forging documents and smuggling refugees onto troopships. They received an overwhelming response, conducting hundreds of interviews daily, and ultimately speaking with about 15,000 individuals. Despite limited resources, Fry and the ERC managed to help approximately 1,500 refugees escape to Spain.

Mary Jayne Gold's Critical Contributions

Mary Jayne Gold, born in 1909 in Evanston, Illinois, was an American heiress who played a vital role in Fry's efforts. After attending finishing school in Italy, she lived in Paris during the 1930s and became a pilot, even donating her plane to the French military. Her financial resources and connections proved crucial in supporting Fry's mission.

Gold joined Fry's staff as an interviewer and courier, expanding the list of refugees needing assistance. She personally funded evacuations and helped the ERC secure the Villa Air-Bel property, which served as a base for their operations. Her contributions were instrumental in the success of the rescue efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration in times of crisis.

The Aftermath of Their Efforts

In 1941, both Fry and Gold were forced to leave France due to the increasing dangers and scrutiny from authorities. Fry returned to the United States, where he published a book about his experiences titled Surrender on Demand, while Gold settled in the Riviera and later published her own memoir, Crossroads Marseilles, 1940.

Fry's legacy was honored posthumously in 1996 when he was named a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem. He died on September 13, 1967, but his courage and dedication to saving lives during one of history's darkest periods remain inspirational. Gold, who passed away in 1997, also left a lasting impact through her contributions and storytelling.

Key Lessons from Varian Fry and Mary Jayne Gold

• Bravery in Crisis: Their story teaches us the importance of taking courageous actions in times of peril, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
• The Power of Collaboration: The combined efforts of individuals from diverse backgrounds highlight the strength found in teamwork and shared missions.
• Empathy and Humanitarianism: Fry and Gold’s dedication to helping others exemplifies the essence of empathy and the responsibility we have to protect those in vulnerable situations.
• Legacy of Compassion: Their contributions remind us that individual actions can leave a profound impact and inspire future generations to act against injustice.