Syracuse Sun

As war ravaged Europe in the 1940s, there were few places Jews could seek shelter as they fled Nazi persecution. One such place was Oswego, New York, which welcomed Jewish refugees with open arms at a time when hatred and fear were prevalent both here and abroad. This year, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the arrival of close to 1,000 Holocaust refugees who came to Fort Ontario seeking safety. This year’s celebration could be the last time survivors of the Holocaust will be in attendance, making it all the more significant.

The events commemorating the anniversary begin Friday, Aug. 2, when the City of Oswego will sound bells at 7:30 a.m. to signify the arrival of those seeking shelter. Later in the day and again on Saturday, Aug. 3, guests will be provided free admission to the Safe Haven Museum and offered tours of significant sites related to the refugees’ arrival and stay. For families of the refugees, free entry to Fort Ontario is also included in the celebration.

Also on Saturday, author Anne Allen will sign her book “Holocaust Refugees in Oswego: From Nazi Europe to Lake Ontario,” which details the formation of a community blending New York natives with newly arrived Jewish emigrants. Later, Fort Ontario Site Manager Paul Lear will provide a history of the fort and its role as an emergency shelter. The shelter was noted by event organizers as being "the only such haven for Holocaust victims living in the U.S." during World War II.

Reflecting on one of history's most egregious human rights violations reminds us how important it is to celebrate common ground and work toward understanding one another. Hatred and fear spread when we fail to acknowledge every person's intrinsic value; unchecked extremism can lead to devastating consequences like those seen during the Holocaust. New York has always been a beacon of understanding and tolerance, and Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum symbolizes what we represent as a state and country.

The museum remains significant as an emblem of hope in Upstate New York today. The anniversary celebration promises to be both moving and jarring for attendees. Highlighting compassion and tolerance embedded in our history defines us as a nation; protecting this foundation is crucial for preserving democracy.