Special Visitors to Safe Haven Museum Recently the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum opened its door to a very special visitor…a woman who knew all too well the story of the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter. Gertrude “Trudy” Ehrilich had not been in Oswego since she was nine years old in 1946. Trudy is one of the refugees who was housed at Fort Ontario having made the journey from Europe with her mother. It was a very emotional day for Trudy, her son Brian and daughter-in-law Plessie. Trudy recounted several memories of her days here in Oswego including those of her teacher, Ms. Gallagher. Within the next few weeks, Safe Haven was once visited by another refugee. Adolf (known as Dolf) Weissenberg toured the museum with his wife Diane, son Scot, daughter-in-law Brenda, and granddaughter Katie. Dolf shared some of his memories of coming to America with his mother, grandmother and aunt. He, too, was nine years old when his family left the shelter. His stories included the trip on the ship, arriving in Oswego on the train and going to school at Fitzhugh Park School. Safe Haven was privileged to once again welcome these two visitors who played such a personal part in our story.

Dolf Weissenberg (second from left) with his family and George DeMass, president of the board of directors.

Trudy Ehrilich (second from left) speaking with visitors at the museum as her son, Brian, looks on.

Safe Haven CURRENT MUSEUM HOURS P.O. Box 846 Thursday-Sunday: Oswego, New York 13126 11 - 4 pm Phone: 315.342.3003 • Fax: 315.324.1411 Monday-Wednesday: Closed Group tours: available all year Email: [email protected] Contact museum for arrangements On the Web: www.oswegohaven.org

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Inside This Issue Special Visitors to Safe Haven Museum............................................................................................1 National Landmark Committee.........................................................................................................2 President’s Report................................................................................................................................3 2015 Membership............................................................................................................................ 4-5 2015 Donations....................................................................................................................................6 2015 Wall Of Remembrance...............................................................................................................7 Dream of a New Facility......................................................................................................................8

National Landmark Committee The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum is embarking on one of the most exciting projects since its inception. A committee has been formed to raise awareness of Fort Ontario’s international historical significance and to develop its economic potential by achieving National Monument status for one of our nation’s most historic military posts. The National Landmark Committee is also working to list Fort Ontario as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) and UNESCO World Heritage Site based on its complete history as a military post from the French and Indian War through the War in Afghanistan, and its unique history as the only Emergency Refugee Shelter in the United States for victims of the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. A rally was held at the Convention Center in Oswego, to garner support from the local community for our project. Despite the bad weather over 200 people attended the event. Congressman John Katko was the main speaker with Assemblyman William Barclay and Mayor Tom Gillen along with other city, county, state and Federal representatives. All spoke of their commitment to this project. The most moving speakers were from the Girl Scouts. When the former refugees were at the shelter, many of the little girls were members of a troop. Members of the committee include: Congressman John Katko, staff Tom Connellan, Emily Zipprich, Chair Jeff Grimshaw, Legislator Shane Broadwell, Linda Alexander, President of the Jewish Foundation of CNY, Fort Ontario Site Manager Paul Lear, Oswego-Fulton Chamber Director Greg Mills, Joe Nehme Regional Director for Senator Charles Schumer, Jarrod Jones Regional Director for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Michelle Stepien, Constituent Liasion, N.Y.S. Senator Patty Richie, Jennifer Cook Regional Director for Assemblyman William Barclay, Chris Mensah Secretary to the Governing Council Chief of the United Nations, Oswego County Dave Turner, , Safe Haven President George DeMass, Gary Lavine, Samuel Gruber, SUNY Oswego Pam Caraccioli and Dr. Jerald Jones Woolfolk, Rebecca Fisher, City of Oswego Justin Rudgick and Amy Birdsall, Joseph Schum, Judy Coe Rapaport and NYS Parks James Brophy. The process to attain our goals is complicated and arduous. Having a committee this talented and dedicated will help ensure our success. If you have any questions, please email the committee at fortontariolandmarkcommittee@ gmail.com . Please visit us on Facebook (Fort Ontario Landmark Committee) for more updates.

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Presidents Report It is a beautiful autumn day in Oswego as I think back on the past year and look ahead to the new year, 2016. At Safe Haven, we look back at the meaningful reflections, excitement and challenge that 2015 held for us. Two former refugees returned to Fort Ontario. Both had not been back since leaving as a child of nine. Their visits were powerful times of remembrance and healing, not only for them but for me. Excitement and challenge were present throughout the year. We celebrated the life of Ralph M. Faust, former Principal of Oswego High School, who did so much to welcome the shelter’s residents and make them a home in Oswego, especially opening up the schools for the shelter’s many children. The Board established the Ralph M. Faust Humanitarian Award to be awarded to someone(s) who have contributed in ways to bring justice and wholeness in society. The award was presented to Mr. Faust posthumously. His nephew, Dr. Thomas Benson accepted the award for him. We at Safe Haven were excited to have begun plans for the expansion of the museum and its physical plant as well as its mission. In 2016, we will begin a $5,000,000 campaign to bring this vision to fruition. To quote our Case Study statement: “Today, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum is preparing to answer a call- one that perhaps has been lingering since the day the Museum’s doors first opened. It is a call to raise awareness, a call for discussion. And, it is a call for action. Planned is an expansion of the Museum’s mission from simply....documenting the lives of the 982 refugees from the Holocaust in Europe who were offered sanctuary at the Fort Ontario Relief Shelter...to include promoting the study, debate, dissemination, and education on issues such as the Holocaust, the damaging effects of discrimination, and the plight of refugees, past and present.” We, with the Fort Ontario complex, are happy to begin the process of becoming a national landmark, national park, and UNESCO world site. This will enlarge the scope of Safe Haven’s story and mission. The Board and I invite you to join us making this vision come true by making a contribution and sharing Safe Haven’s story past and present to those you meet. We welcome you to view our new website: oswegohaven.org, oswegohaven.com, and safehavenmuseum.com. Sincerely, George R. DeMass President

The first annual Ralph M. Faust Humanitarian Award was presented posthumously to Mr. Faust. Accepting the award from George DeMass (right), president of the board of directors, is Mr. Faust’s nephew, Dr. Thomas Benson. 3

2015 Member/Donor List Susan Adler Betsy Ahrens Cindy Barash Nancy Barnett Nancy Baumann Claude Boni Raymond Boni Henry Brecher Sidney Bogar Draper Rachel Burke Norma Church Leonard Cohen Betty Cravetz Julie Cummings Irene Danon George DeMass Francis Enwright Margaret Falise Paul Feingold Laura Feldman Eleanor Filburn Margareta Fisse Nancy Flatau David Furniss Tony Gianetto Gloria Glimore Steven Glass Celia Greenberg Roslyn Levi Griesbach Jacquelin Grulich Mary Louise Hartenstein Aaron Heimowitz

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Members

Elfi Hendell Aaron Heimowitz Francie Hermaline Edith Hirsch Richard A. Hope Audrey Hurley Rita M. Josef Bruno Kaiser Elizabeth Kolodney Ann M. Korenstein Gloria Kolofsky Marilyn Lawrence Ginette C. Lee Rosa Moshev Levy Zdenka Ruchwarger Levy David Lowenthal Elaine Mahl Dr. Rhonda Mandel Vince Marinkovich Robert Michiel Mary Norbeck Elliot Ober Judith Oplinger Dorritt L. Ostberg Davis Parker Rosemary Passarelli Mary Ellen & John Peck Stephanie Pinsky Virginia Pratt Sonja Rabin Selma Radin Linda Reinstein

Donnaline Richman Carol Rosenberg Betsy Rosenfeld Kate Rosenthal Sandra Roth Ruth Sayer Scott Scanlon Claudia Schatz Irv Schneider Sandra Schwartz Sonia Finci Setren Angela C. May Shatz Dr. Selma Sheridan Donald Smart Marilynn Smiley Judith Stander Joel Stein Jacquelyn Harris Stone Mary Kay Stone Nancy Strada Barbara Sutton Judith Topilow M.D. Faith VanVoolen Mariam Wasileski Carl Wassmann Sheila Weinbach Mariam Weiner Herbert Weinman Gary Weiss Carol Whittenberg Rosalie Young Cynthia Zacharek

Family Membership Ben and Martha Alaouf Denise and Ben Battat Mira and Jack Berkly Stuart and Karen Blume Mira Bokros Halpern Ronald A. Brown Monica and Jim Byrne Nina Stern Cantor Harriet and Harvey Davidson Brian and Pessie Ehrlich Gertrude Striks Ehrlich Maureen and Donald Feck Rebecca Fisher Florence and Jacob Frajerman Ronald and Pam Friedman Albert Gal & Arlene Stern Charlotte Gal & Gary Hartz Polly and Mark Ginsky Gail and Ned Goebricher Rita and Paul Gordon Daniel and Patricia Gordon Sandra and Richard Griffen Brian and Christine Haessig Martha and Terry Hammill Margaret and Tom Hanford Suzanna Harriff Charles and Wendy Harrington Mary Louise Hartenstein Nola Heidlebaugh Agi and David Hendell Dr. Michael Hirt

Michael and Michal Juran Esther and Howard Kaidnow Allan and Rita Kanter Judith and Dr. Philip Kaplan Dr. Gwen Kay & Dr. Jef Sneider Steven and Theresa Kline Robert and Susan Konig Ted Kopp Dr. Peter Koppitz Carol Kremer Vera and William Kremer Kathleen Lawrence Paul and Amy Lear David and Lea Levi Andrew and Bonnie Levine Edward H. Lindo Susan and Gerald Lotierzo Don and Joanne MacDougall Richard and Barbara Maged Andrew J. Merritt Lorrie and Ron Molinari Dr. Stephen Munz Peter and Beverly Newman Louis Orbach and Anastasia Urtz Judy and Eli Rapaport Dr. Michael Ratner Irene and Keith Reinsdorf David and Mary Roman Eva and Eric Rosenfeld Alfred and Ruth Rosenthal

Robert Rothman Arnold and Libby Rubenstein Fred and Barbara Ruhe Francine Green Salsberg and Jessie Salsberg Meg and Jim Schneider Stanley Serlin Kevin and Teresa Shutt Norma and Ann Siegel Brenda Silverman and Mark Watkins Linda and Richard Smernoff Morris and Barbara Sorbello Andrew and Helen Spector Arlene and Larry Spizman Richard and Pamela Strauss Susan Sweeney Jim and Juanita Tschudy Chris Walsh Anita and Howard Weinberger Karen and Jonathan Wolf

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$ 1.00 - $4.00 Andrew and Bonnie Levine Sonja Rabin $5.00 – 10.00 Ronald A. Brown Susan and Mark Field Carol Kremer Judith Oplinger Joel Stein Jim and Juanita Tshudy Norman Turkish Herbert Weinman Wendy Wolffson $11.00 – 15.00 Mira Bokros Halpers Monica and Jim Byrne Albert Gal & Arlene Stern Brian and Christine Haessig Martha and Terry Hammill Suzanna Harriff Susan and Gerald Lotierzo Andrew J. Merritt Irene and Keith Reinsdorf Norman and Ann Siegel Richard and Pamela Strauss Anita and Howard Weinberger

Donors

Gail Wallach Gary Wener and Deb Melamed $21.00 - $30.00 Norma Church Florence and Jacob Frajerman Roslyn Levi Griesbach Hannibal Historical Society Wes Horto Audrey Hurley DARRT Kayendatsyon AF Ted Kopp Zdenka Rychwarger levy Dr. Selma Sheridan $31.00 - $50.00 Susan Adler Maureen and Donald Feck Joshua and Gloria Goldberg Rita and Paul Gordon Daniel and Patricia Gordon Margaret and Tom Hanford Bruce and Shirley Shariroff Morris and Barbara Sorbello Chris Walsh Gary Weiss $51.00 - $65.00 Henry Brecher David & Mindy Epstein Hinshaw Peter and Beverly Newman Fred and Barbara Ruhe Stanley Serlin Linda and Richard Smernoff Andrew and Helen Spector

$16.00 - $20.00 Sidney Bogar Draper Betty Cravetz Gertrude Striks Erhlich Francis Enwright Margaret Falise Paul Feingold Tony Gianetto Sandra and Richard Griffen $66.00 - $75.00 Dorothy and Harvey Pearl Congregation Kol Am Mary Ellen and John Peck Stephanie Pinsky When you shop with AmazonSmile, Amazon Sonya Finci Setren donates 0.5% of the pruchase price to Safe Haven Museum and Education Center: Judith Stander 6

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/16-1389015

$76.00 - $100.00 Ben and Martha Alaouf David H and Joan B Alexander Philanthropic Fund John and Ann Allen Claude Boni Congregation Kol Am Eleanor Filburn Curtis and Nancy Forback Charlotte and Alexander Holstein Jewish Community Foundation Jewish Educational Alliance Fellowship Assoc. Bruno Kaiser Judith and Steven Katten Dr. Rhonda Mandel Helena and Rolf Manfred Stephanie Pinsky Alfred and Ruth Rosenthal Kate Rosenthal Ruth Sayer Betty Ann and Rich Smith Cynthia Zacharek $101.00 - $125.00 Vince Marinkovich Mary and Donald Vanouse Temple Concord $126.00 - $150.00 Irene Danon Phil and Dea Herskovic David and Mary Roman $151 - $175.00 Marilynn Smiley $176.00 - $200.00 Jeff Diamond Lorraine and Harold Nash Banna Rubinow & Christopher Baltus Donald Smart

$250.00 - $499.00

2015 Wall of Remembrance In Memory of Ignatz and Dora Langnas & Joe Langnas -Lance Lis

Joyce DeCaire Dunsmoor In Memory of Kate Kaplan Cleveland Ohio

In Memory of J. Edward Krauss, USNR Jean & Kurt Whitford

In Honor of our Father William “Wilko” Kremer On his 80th Birthday

In memory of Ruth & Herman Cominsky -Sarah & Emanuel Elfenbein Bob & Ingrid Elfenbein  

In Loving Memory of Rena Romano Block A True Survivor

Louis Orbach, Anastasia L. Urtz and Benjamin Orbach

In Honor of John Oliver’s 60th Birthday Love Judy and Eli Rapaport

In Memory of Barach and Mindel Jawetz -From the Wolfe and Reinstein Families

Port City Family Dr. Corliss Varnum Terry Pearl In Memory of Carl, Lotte & Mira Selan -Edna Selan Epstein

In Memory of June and Francis Draper Love Bruce and Brenda Campbell

The Wolf Family and the Reinstein Family In memory of Baruch and Mindel Jawetz

In memory of Hana, Josef and Blanka Danon In honor of Isak,Sara and Esther Danon.

$500.00 - $999.00 Michael Ashe Chris Yaros In Loving Memory of our Dear Friend Mimi Morimoto Love Judy & Eli Rapaport In Honor of Irving & Regina Schild Love Judy & Eli Rapaport

$1000.00 In memory of Charles Abeles Music gives voice to the soul Elizabeth Kahl Ralph Faust; Savior, mentor, Friend Grandchildren of Steffi Winters In Loving Memory of Ruth and Joseph Nupuf Michael and Edie Nupuf

Major Wall $1250.00 Richard S. Shineman Foundation

2016 Wall of Remembrance

$250.00

$500.00

Gary Lavine

Beth and Irwin Goldberg

Margareta Fisse

Eva and Eric Rosenfeld

In Memory of my Parents Roslyn Hoffer and Harold Brooks By Joan B. Alexander

$1000.00 Gary Lavine Wells Family

Jean and Kurt Whitford Neil Rolde

Major Wall $2547.00 Hannibal High School

In Memorium Leon Levitch November 26, 2014

Paul Arnstien August 24, 2015

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Please call (315)342-3003 for fundraising opportunities Presidents Report 2013 was very eventful for the museum. We saw attendance climb due to our summer intern Max McCune and Experienced Works employee Lois Reid. Having the museum open seven days a week was the key. Through hard work and perseverance, expenses went down while income went up. The museum board has utilized SUNY Oswego student’s creativity to create a new logo and marketing plan. The SUNY Professor Denise Direnzo will oversee a senior class “Neighbors” project which will involve reaching out to more Oswego residents that have stories to tell during 19441946. Our Education Committee has worked diligently to continue to spread the Safe Haven story throughout Central New York School districts. Safe Haven will be part of the Syracuse Jewish Federation Yom Ha’Shoah program in April. Central New York Public Television station WCNY is sponsoring a “History of Jews” that will highlight local authors and Safe Haven which will be aired across the viewing area. The board, volunteers and SUNY interns are gearing up for the 70 th Reunion and JMA Ride to Remember Celebration in June shining a light on the former refugees and the museum. I would to thank all of our financial supporters and our volunteers who make this museum a testament to the story of the former refugees and people of Oswego.

We Invite You To Join Our Dream of a Larger Facility Judy Coe Rapaport, President

Safe Haven Education Center Safe HavenMuseum Museum &&Education Center P.O.P.O. 846 Box 846 Oswego, 13126 Oswego,New New York York 13126

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