Netflix’s Transatlantic explores how Varian Fry, Mary Jane Gold, and the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC) evacuated thousands of refugees from Marseille during World War II. Fry and Gold are two Americans who, with their group of allies, organize a secret operation to rescue artists, writers, and refugees fleeing Europe at war and after Nazi persecution. This series comes from “The Flight Portfolio”, which is a historical fiction based on the true story of Varian Fry, a cofounder of the ERC working in Marseille. His team rescued more than 4,000 people by economically helping them evacuate France from the Nazi’s. 

The important figures

All the characters in the series are real people who helped the cause, the main importance being Varian Fry, Mary Jane Gold, and Albert Hirschman. The principal head of the mission was Varian Fry, an American Journalist who was the founding member of the Emergency Rescue Committee. When Fry returned to the USA, the ERC merged with the International Rescue Committee to help refugees. Mary Jane Gold helped support the refugees by staying in France, and eventually, she joined Fry as an interviewer and courier, founding the evacuations with her own money the evacuations and by also renting a place for the whole team. Lastly, Albert Hirschman, who was a Jewish-German humanitarian and anti-Nazi activist. As part of the team, he enlisted activists who helped smuggle refugees over the Pyrenees into Spain. These three characters were important in the show and also in real life, as despite the dangers that they were put in, they didn’t hesitate and did the right thing with all of the resources that they had in hand at the time..

The IRC now 

The International Rescue Committee still supports the cause and provides humanitarian support in over 40 countries worldwide. The IRC has six objectives: economic well-being, education, empowerment, health, safety, and supporting women and girls. From another perspective, the Netflix series “Transatlantic” has massively helped the cause, by making it visible to younger generations, it will increase its support from around the world, as it tells the start of the Committee and its ideal, which is to help and support the most needed and vulnerable with all that you have, even if it can include risking your life. 

The importance of “Transatlantic”

The series served as a way to open doors for everyone to be informed of the actions that were taken by many people of little power without being passed unknown. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing work of the International Rescue Committee, which continues to provide vital humanitarian support in various parts of the world. By raising awareness and inspiring a new generation of viewers, the series contributes to the cause by encouraging support, donations, and volunteerism to help those in need.

“For 90 years, Fry’s spirit has persisted throughout the IRC”

The potential for individuals, driven by a deep sense of empathy and justice, can make an extraordinary difference. This quote prompts a reflection on the power of individuals to effect change through action and ingenuity. It reminds us of the transformative impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have in providing essential support to those in need.  This Netflix show establishes a new beginning for the Committee and extends beyond the screen, as it educates, inspires, and honors the bravery of individuals who risked their lives to save others. It reaffirms the importance of standing up against injustice. It reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, a small group of dedicated individuals can make a profound difference in the lives of many. The legacy of Fry and his colleagues, carried forward by the IRC, inspires everyone in the IRC.