23 Facts About Varian Fry

Varian Fry was the first of five Americans to be recognized as "Righteous Among the Nations", an honorific given by the State of Israel to non-Jews who saved the lives of many Jews and anti-Nazi refugees during World War II.

Varian Fry's parents were Lillian and Arthur Fry, a manager of the Wall Street firm Carlysle and Mellick.

Varian Fry grew up in Ridgewood and enjoyed bird-watching and reading.

Varian Fry was educated at Hotchkiss School from 1922 to 1924, when he left the school due to hazing rituals.

Varian Fry then attended the Riverdale Country School, graduating in 1926.

Varian Fry was suspended for a prank just before graduation and had to repeat his senior year.

Varian Fry wrote books about foreign affairs for Headline Books, owned by the Foreign Policy Association, including The Peace that Failed.

When none of the candidates seemed viable or willing, Varian Fry volunteered and was accepted, albeit with reservations.

Varian Fry was given three tasks for what was projected to be a three-week visit to France: report on conditions impacting refugees;, help people identified as in danger from the Nazis escape to Portugal or Morocco; and identify people who would work with the ERC.

Varian Fry had an election to win in 1940 and refugees were not his priority.

Varian Fry had $3,000 taped to his leg and a list of 200 artists and intellectuals, mostly German Jews, under imminent threat of arrest by agents of the Gestapo.

Varian Fry worked to circumvent bureaucratic processes set up by French authorities, who would not issue exit visas.

Varian Fry's most important associate was a young French Protestant named Daniel Benedite who functioned as his Chef de Cabinet and often his eyes and ears.

Varian Fry was shunned by most of the refugee aid organizations in Vichy France, especially after a cable in September 1940 from US Secretary of State Cordell Hull:.

Varian Fry responded by justifying his program and saying that he needed to stay in Marseille until a replacement arrived.

Varian Fry was forced to leave France in September 1941 after officials of both the Vichy government and the State Department objected to his covert activities.

Varian Fry later admitted that mistakes were made in deciding who received and who was denied help.

Varian Fry wrote and spoke critically against US immigration policies particularly relating to the fate of Jews in Europe.

Varian Fry published a book in 1945 about his time in France under the title Surrender on Demand, first published by Random House, 1945.

Varian Fry developed cancer and died on May 12,1948.

Varian Fry died of a cerebral hemorrhage and was found dead in his bed on September 13,1967, by the Connecticut State Police.

Varian Fry was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York with his parents.

Varian Fry's papers are held in Columbia University's Rare Book and Manuscript Library.