‘The American Schindler’ To Be Honored

RIDGEFIELD — Maimonides Academy of Western Connecticut will sponsor an event to honor Varian Fry, who lived on Olmstead Lane in Ridgefield and who dedicated himself during World War II to saving Jews.

In recognition of his selfless but little-known work, a speaker from The Varian Fry Foundation will speak at Fry’s former home, followed by wine and hors d’oeuvres, on Sunday, April 30, from 4 to 7 pm.

Often called the “American Oskar Schindler,” Mr Fry, who was not himself a Jew, is known for rescuing 2,000 Jewish artists, writers, and scholars during the Holocaust. For 14 months in 1940 and 1941, the 32-year-old Harvard graduate spent his time, at great risk to himself, sneaking out countless Jews who would have otherwise faced certain death.

The event will be held at 78 Olmstead Lane. Tickets are $45 per person, and can be purchased by calling 748-7129. All proceeds will benefit Maimonides Academy of Western Connecticut.