Surrender on Demand Book

Here is the story of an unsung hero, a young American journalist who spent 13 months in France delivering about 2,000 people from the grip of the Gestapo. While his work was not greatly recognized in his own time, Varian Fry has posthumously been designated as one of the "Righteous Among the Nations" by Israel's Holocaust Museum. There are several books that tell his story, but this one is his own account and was chosen by my book group for discussion. It is a worthy read.

Varian Fry's mission was a little different from other rescue missions; his role was to whisk to safety the cream-of-the-crop intelligentsia who were on the run from the encircling Nazi sharks. He did this by setting up a charity relief office in France, a false front for his real purpose, which was to provide visas for safe passage to artists and other greats.

"Among the people who have come into my office. . . are not only some of the greatest living authors, painters, sculptors of Europe. . . but also former cabinet ministers and even prime ministers of half a dozen countries. What a strange place Europe is when men like this are reduced to waiting patiently in the anteroom of a young American of no importance whatever." ~ Varian Fry

The quote speaks loudly of his humility, which I admired. I also loved the fact that Varian sought to extend an intangible---something that could make or break his mission---HOPE.

"When they were ready to leave, I shook their hands, and said, 'I'll see you in New York.' Many of them were incredulous, hardly daring to hope. But that short sentence, spoken with conviction, seemed to do more than anything else to restore their faith in the future. If the American is so sure he will see us soon in New York, they must have thought, then maybe there is some hope."

In the midst of the craziness, his incessant work schedule, the dangers of being arrested, and the deprivations caused by war shortages, Varian managed to savor the culture of France. Even in the throes of occupation, France drew him in and he relished the brief season. This is the paradox of war; it brings out beauty in aching contrast to destruction. When Varian was expelled from the country, he brought home some wonderful memories, especially of the time spent with cultural greats in Villa Air-Bel. I am sure he probably also brought home regrets; for there were many he was unable to help.

Since I have been reading The Hiding Place alongside of this one, I have reflected on the contrasts. Corrie ten Boom's motivation was spiritual, and she never turned away a person in need. Often, she ended up harboring the undesirables, such as "Wheezing Mary." Conversely, Varian Fry's mission was to the upper crust. It was an humanitarian effort, not particularly spiritual, but borne of a love for his fellow man and a respect for the rights of the individual. He desired to preserve the cultural greats as a gift to future generations. His narrow vision required that he had to turn away many, many (thousands) of people. I would not want to be in his shoes, deciding who to save and who to turn away. He did what he could and as such deserves the posthumous recognition he has been given.