Safe Haven: Holocaust Refugee Shelter

Oswego, NY- Safe Haven

May 5th 2022

I had learned that there was a one of a kind place located just north of my home in Oswego NY, Safe Haven. Safe Haven was the only Holocaust Refugee camp in the United States. 

Between 1941-1945 Aldolf Hitler and the German Nazi's had killed some 600 million European Jews initiating and during World War II. Hitler had instructed laws that the Jewish wear yellow stars on their clothing, banned them from riding public transportation and community institutions, this soon moved to the burning and raiding of Jewish owned businesses, synagogues and even murder. During WWII Hitler and the German expanded the hate for the Jewish and began spending the Jewish population to concentration camps where they were separated from family members, treated as slave labors and starved to death. 

The maltreatment of these individuals included rape, medical experimentation and murder. Awaiting the outcome of the war, there were several displaced people who were brought to The United States. From 1944-1945 982 refugees were brought to the shores of Lake Ontario, this was Safe Haven. 

History like this is never easy to learn about, but this was somehow inspiring despite that these individuals lived on this property for nearly two years never leaving. The inspiring part was that these people made a home and a community here. At wars end, some stayed in this community and others were reunited with family in their home country. 

The Haven was once the home of Fort Ontario and they homes were the old barracks. This was an example of one of the rooms. 

Perhaps not the most warm in hospitality, but as we are unfortunately aware, this refuge was much better then the alternative. 

Some of the artifacts from those who came to NY.

Caricatures were common for the day. Often showing some humor in such a harsh reality.

The wall of refuges.

Interesting and inspiring to learn if the peoples survival and their ability to thrive. Many of these individual became teachers, doctors and productive members of the community. 

We decided on a visit to the lake and the fort. 

There is also a memorial for the Holocaust. 

The fort was used during the French and Indian wars.

Later we enjoyed a lunch at a local eatery.