Diplomat’s Son to Speak on Father’s Holocaust Heroics
MADISON, NJ—Hiram Bingham, an American diplomat stationed in pre-World War II France, broke U.S. policy by helping refugees flee from Hitler, and in doing so, saved lives. On September 14, Drew University will host an evening with Bingham’s son, Benjamin, who will talk about his father’s career with the Foreign Service and the acts of selfless bravery that led to its end.
In the months leading up to the beginning of the Holocaust, the older Bingham, an American vice-consul in France, sensed growing unrest in Europe and began an underground railroad-like operation in his home as a means of helping both Jewish and non-Jewish refugees escape to the United States. Among those who he helped were artist Marc Chagall, anti-Nazi author Leon Feuchtwanger and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Otto Meyerhoff. In 1946, after being sanctioned by the U.S. government for his handling of escapees’ visas, he resigned from the Foreign Service under a cloud of dishonor.
In 2002, his honor was restored when he was posthumously presented with a “Constructive Dissent” award by then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. In 2006, he was one of six “Distinguished American Diplomats” featured in a set of commemorate postage stamps.
The younger Bingham will appear at Drew as part of “Conversations with Witnesses,” a speaker series that highlights the experiences of those who’ve witnessed the Holocaust or other instances of genocide. The series is sponsored by the school’s Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study, a nonprofit organization that welcomes donations and memberships.
Benjamin Bingham’s talk will begin at 4:00 p.m. in room 104 of Drew’s University Center. To reserve seats or for more information, please call the university’s Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study at 973/408-3600 or e-mail ctrholst@drew.edu.
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Posted: September 11, 2009
