This Fall: PBS Documentary about UUSC’s Founders

By on March 24, 2016

This September, PBS will air Defying the Nazis: The Sharps’ War, a new documentary directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky that tells the story of Martha and Waitstill Sharp, two of UUSC’s founders.

The film will explore the lives and work of the Sharps, a young Unitarian minister and his wife, as they undertook vital missions in Nazi-occupied Europe to rescue Jews, dissidents, and refugee children at great personal sacrifice. As Hitler wielded his power and the Holocaust intensified, the Sharps worked to rescue Jews, dissidents, and refugee children at great personal sacrifice.

“The film tells an incredible story of two ordinary citizens who left their two young children at home and risked their lives to embark on a mission resulting in the rescue of hundreds, including dozens of refugee children,” says Paul Twitchell, UUSC’s director of communications and knowledge management. “Given today’s refugee crises, the story of the Sharps’ selfless heroism is an ongoing inspiration. It really shines as an example of the best of what the United States represents.”

Defying the Nazis also provides a timely opportunity to deepen your commitment to social justice and the values that the Sharps embodied. How will you act upon their inspiration? How will you help carry forward their legacy of courage and compassion?

START EXPLORING AND PLANNING

• Find out more about how UUSC started
• Look back at our rich 75-year history and read inspiring stories of impact
• Learn how you can continue the work of the supporting and advocating for refugees through our refugee toolkit: Building Bridges

• SIgn up for the Refugee Rapid Respone Network to receive updates and special alerts on today’s refugee crisis and what you can do
• Learn more about the film and companion book by visiting the Defying the Nazis website.