House members express support, Rothman to introduce stamp legislation

When The Jewish Standard brought its petition for a Varian Fry stamp to the attention of area members of Congress, they quickly expressed their support.

Rep. Steve Rothman (D-9th District) said he would be "very proud to be the author of legislation that would honor Varian Fry with a U.S. postage stamp commemorating his heroic humanitarian efforts saving Jews and other refugees from the Nazis."

Fry, Rothman said in a statement, "was a true American hero and an inspiration to all humanity." His "courageous accomplishment," the saving of an estimated 2,000 refugees in Vichy France "was done at great risk," Rothman added.

Similarly, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th District) said in a statement, "I urge the Citizen Stamp Advisory Committee to quickly consider a commemorative U.S. postage stamp in honor of Varian Fry.

"The 2007 centennial of Fry’s birth," Pascrell pointed out, "marks a unique opportunity for the postal service to retell a heroic story that will inspire future generations of Americans with Fry’s humanitarian spirit."

"The work that Varian Fry did to save Jews and other refugees from death at the hands of the Nazis during World War II is certainly deserving of recognition and honor," said Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.-5th District) in a statement. "I look forward to the opportunity to work with The Jewish Standard to get a memorial stamp dedicated to his heroic work."

Spokespersons for Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez expressed interest, but as of Wednesday afternoon had not issued statements.