CEDAR RAPIDS, IA - Today the United States Attorney’s Office traveled back in history to examine a time when Iowans demonstrated unfettered tolerance and acceptance by inviting refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II to find a safe haven on the prairies. The program was held at the Federal Courthouse and was offered to encourage a reawakening of that tolerance and acceptance in order to overcome the disruption to our society that can be caused by our holding on to prejudices and fears.
United States Attorney Kevin W. Techau invited the Director of the non-profit organization TRACES Center for History and Culture, Dr. Michael Luick-Thrams, to share his research into refugees fleeing war-torn Europe who found safety in the American heartland and to mark its relevance to events in the world today.
Techau noted that, “The lessons history teaches us concerning the tolerance and acceptance practiced nearly 70 years ago is equally relevant today. Intolerance directed toward those who practice different religions and have a different skin color or sexual orientation is contrary to our strong and long-held cultural heritage of welcoming immigrants and of actively recognizing equality among people."
An Iowa native, author and historian, Dr. Luick-Thrams spends part of each year in Dresden, Germany, overseeing another non-profit history and cultural center. He shared the story of the Scattergood Hostel located near West Branch, Iowa, during the war years (1939-1943). During this time Iowans welcomed 185 European refugees escaping Hitler’s reach. Luick-Thrams suggested that this glimpse into history offers redeeming stories of positive, inspiring acts of kindness and selflessness and should be viewed today with reflection.
Also speaking was a former Scattergood refugee, Guenter “George" Krauthamer, a retired Rutgers University Professor. He spoke via conference call about his family’s story of their flight from Nazi Germany in 1942.
Dr. Luick-Thrams offered his special insights on this extraordinary time in Iowa history and current events occurring in Europe. He also discussed the mass migration in the spring and summer of 2015 as refugees fleeing war, poverty and ecological disaster arrived in Europe seeking a safe haven from the myriad conflicts wracking the Middle East. Luick-Thrams watched as German neighbors, students, friends and relatives reacted to those uninvited newcomers. Today, he offered his personal perspective on how the refugee crisis will change Germany-and, indeed, Europe-forever.
Those attending the program came away with a greater appreciation of the proud cultural heritage we share as Iowans-the heritage of inclusiveness and tolerance. And, more importantly, a concrete example that the challenges the world faces today might be better served by examining history’s lessons.
Follow the office on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
