VILNIUS GHETTO REVELATION
THE STORY of Frank Foley, the heroic British spy who saved 10,000 Jews from almost certain death, is a beacon of light within the darkest period of history.
Stationed in Berlin, Mr Foley used his cover as a passport control officer to issue thousands of visas to German Jews desperate to escape Nazi persecution.
Mr Foley went to remarkable lengths to save Jews right under the nose of the Nazis, even visiting concentration camps to remove them. He bent and broke rules, risking both discovery by the Nazis and disciplinary action from his own superiors, in his determination to do what was right — and in the process inspired other British diplomats to follow suit.
Thanks to the efforts of Ian Austin MP and support from former chancellor George Osborne, a statue of this great man was unveiled last week by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge in Stourbridge, the town where Mr Foley quietly spent the later years of
his life, never speaking publicly about his heroic deeds, which remained unknown until after his death.
Mr Foley was, and still is, the ultimate role model. His stand against the Nazis should be a source of pride and inspiration to us all. The individuals he saved went on to become integral parts of communities, had families of their own and ensured Jewish life continues to thrive.
Mr Foley’s story exemplifies the power of individual action — we all have the ability to make a difference if we try.
It is not only for victims of hate to stand up but for every decent citizen to recognise prejudice in all its guises. When we see hatred, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with its victims, and call it out too.
Mr Foley was a selfless hero, described by one survivor as “angelic”.
His determination to confront injustice, despite the risks and without complaint or want for reward, is something we should all embrace. In our busy daily lives, it is incumbent on us to ensure we carry Mr Foley’s mantle.
At a time where antisemitism is in the headlines weekly, often daily, his example surely chimes with our community.
It was with a great sense of pride this week that I watched the future King of Great Britain unveil a memorial to such a remarkable man. His Royal Highness’ commitment to remember the Holocaust, at a time when survivors are fewer and frailer and as the genocide goes from living history to ‘just’ history, sends out a clear message.
Mr Foley’s legacy reminds us of the need to remain resolute in the fight against injustice.