Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees and How They Came to America

Haven tells the story of how photojournalist, Ruth Gruber, assisted 1,000 refugees from 18 different countries, to travel from Italy to Oswego, New York in 1944. She was chosen by Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, due to her intelligence (she was the youngest person to receive a doctorate degree in Germany), her Jewish heritage, language capabilities, experience overseas in the Soviet Arctic, and her sensitivity. She was made a general so that if she were captured, the Geneva Convention rules would require that she be kept alive. While crossing the Atlantic on the Henry Gibbins, she encountered the sting of prejudice from the wounded American soldiers, (some who hated the fact that Jews took the place of their buddies who could have been on the ship) and amongst the refugees themselves. Nazi planes and U-boats threatened the ship as well. Throughout the voyage, Gruber earned trust from its occupants, photographed them and wrote down their horrifying stories of Nazi persecution and their will to survive. Once at Oswego, she continued to fight for the refugees as their advocate. Their legal status was the biggest question. Gruber made it possible for them to choose to remain in the United States, once the war was over. The conclusion of the book offers a list of the refugees with brief descriptions of their lives, after WWII. It's sad to read that many could never emotionally recover from the years of abuse they suffered. This book reads more like a novel than non-fiction. Gruber's personal insight and writing style makes this a very approachable book for teens to read. It would make fine supplemental reading to students of WWII and the Holocaust. This previously little known, true story is also an important read to gain understanding of current events in Israel and Palestine. The television mini-series, Haven, starring Natasha Richardson, is available on VHS. Also recommended is another one of Gruber's books, Exodus 1947, which continues the postwar story of the displaced Jew's search for a country to call home.I have had the good fortune to meet Ms. Gruber at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. She is in her 80's, and still speaks eloquently of her experiences.

Earlier this year, I went to see a screening of the CBS miniseries based off this book. Ruth Gruber, the author, eloquently spoke, as did New York Senator Chuck Schumer. The senator said that Mrs. Gruber's "valiance" was "enormous." One would have an incredible amount of trouble disagreeing with that. Similarly, the brilliance of "Haven," a reflection on Mrs. Gruber's efforts during the Second World War to assist 1,000 European Jewish immigrants come to America and then live here successfuly, is enormous. The language is humble but immensely warming. The beauty of the writing is only overcome by the power of the story. This book should be read. It deserves to be read, not just by those who are interested in the Holocaust or the history of American Jews, but by all Americans.

A poignant, true-life story of a woman ahead of her time, willing to risk her life and put herself in danger to save Jewish refugees. If you saw the tv series and were less than impressed with Natasha Richardson's performance, do yourself a favor and read the book. It tells a riveting story and you won't regret reading it. By the way,if you did see the tv series, the real Gruber has a cameo appearance as an immigrant, with a scarf tied around her head, smiling up at Natasha Richardson, who played Gruber in the film. Just a bit of trivia.

I happened to almost fall upon this book and I am so glad that I did. This book speaks to everyone who has a heart. It is the story of 982 refugees brought to America during World War II. Ruth Gruber tells the stories of these refugees in such a way that the reader feels as if they are with her on her journey. The impact these refugees have had on the history of the United States is profound. So profound, that it is important to read about their struggles in becoming part of this nation. Something that many of us take for granted. My life has been changed as a result of reading this book, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Ruth Gruber tells the story of the less than 1,000 Jewish refugees taken in by the United States during World War II, and the amazingly warm acceptance and appreciation of the New York community in which they were placed. The story of this immigrant experience and the richness of their gifts to this country are inspiring and must-read tales, without being preachy or boring. Everyone I know who has read this book has ordered a copy to share with others. This is a wonderful book!