Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has introduced the Varian Fry Postage Stamp Resolution, which would direct the United States Postal Service to issue a postal stamp in honor of Varian Fry, a New Jersey native who helped save thousands of lives during the Holocaust. Fry transported thousands of refugees including some of Europes most accomplished writers, artists and intellectuals -from France to safe havens abroad.

It is time that our nation commemorates the humanitarian efforts of Varian Fry, whose bravery and resourcefulness saved the lives of so many, but whose deeds have not yet been fully recognized. His work to aid both Jews and anti-Nazis during this perilous time in history makes him a hero for people of all religions and all nations, said Menendez. Honoring Varian Fry with a postal stamp will place him in the ranks of great humanitarians and leaders who have been celebrated by our nation for their accomplishments and hard work throughout history.

In 1991, 24 years after Frys death, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council became the first American agency to official recognize Frys work. Additionally, Frys hometown of Ridgewood, New Jersey, has honored him and dedicated a street in his name. The United States Postal Service has previously issued a stamp honoring former U.S. Vice-Consul Horace Bingaman, who aided Fry in his rescue campaign.

This resolution is companion legislation to H.Con.Res.434, which was introduced in the House of Representative by Rep. Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ), and is based upon a petition sponsored by the Jewish Standard in Teaneck, New Jersey and the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies in Pennsylvania.

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