DEFYING THE NAZIS: The Sharps' War
Directed by
Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky
Directed by
Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky
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Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War is an account of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II. It tells the story of Waitstill & Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife from Wellesley, MA, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to multiple life-threatening missions in Europe. Over two dangerous years they helped to save hundreds of imperiled political dissidents and Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi occupation across Europe.
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In honor of her relentless commitment to compassion and humanitarian principles, we are pleased to announce the winner of the 2019 SHARP RESCUER PRIZE:
ANGELA MERKEL
I am so very honored to announce the winner of the 2019 Sharp Rescuer Prize, Angela Merkel, for her bold and compassionate leadership in supporting refugees. The SHARP RESCUER PRIZE seeks to promote humanitarian work in the example of my courageous grandparents, Martha and Waitstill Sharp, and to empower rescuers today who offer safety, hope, and opportunity to refugees. Merkel, with the courage to face history, has alleviated suffering and educated a new generation of Germans who care for the world. Merkel's empathetic leadership is a model for all of Europe and the world. The Sharp Rescuer Prize, representing the family of Martha and Waitstill Sharp, profoundly thanks you and your citizens for welcoming over two million refugees and providing a moral voice to the greatest refugee crisis since 1945. There is much more to do to address this crisis, but for this moment, please accept our gratitude.
Warmly,
Artemis Joukowsky III
Warmly,
Artemis Joukowsky III
“Many literally escaped death. It goes without saying that we will help them and take in people who seek refuge with us."
Angela Merkel, 2015 
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“We all live on the very same planet…every human being has but one life and every human being is entitled to live that one life in a sustainable and meaningful way. And in order for them to be able to do so, they have to be provided opportunities. Far too many people don’t enjoy these opportunities.” Angela Merkel, World Humanitarian Summit 
Photos: Merkel Visits Integration Projects and Sophie Scholl School. Photography. Britannica ImageQuest, Encyclopædia Britannica, 25 May 2016.
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Martha and Waitstill Sharp are featured in the section titled "Americans Who Dared."
“I am most grateful . . . to all refugees who revealed high courage while their world fell apart. I only hope that my efforts were in some measure a return upon their faith and their goodwill.”
-Martha Sharp
“I am most grateful . . . to all refugees who revealed high courage while their world fell apart. I only hope that my efforts were in some measure a return upon their faith and their goodwill.”
-Martha Sharp
Defying the Nazis Reports
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Exhibition Honoring the Sharps at Brown University Library
If you were moved by the Sharps' story, check out Artemis' Film - Cries From Syria
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NYTIMES Learning Network Publishes "Text to Text: Comparing Jewish Refugees of the 1930s With Syrian Refugees Today" by Laura Tavares |
The NY Times Learning Network has published a lesson by Laura Tavares, Senior Associate at Facing History and Ourselves, that includes clips from the film! The refugee crisis is so relevant, and we are hopeful that the blog will alert educators to the film and to resources to be used at the Moral Courage Conference.
The lesson is published here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/04/learning/lesson-plans/text-to-text-comparing-jewish-refugees-of-the-1930s-with-syrian-refugees-today.html |
Our film and companion book are now available at your local independent bookstore and these sellers:PBSAmazonBarnes & Noble |
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Autobiographies of Martha and Waitstill
Sharp available at the Kindle store!
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Church Mouse in the White House
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Liberation of the Human Spirit
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