In the October 1939 issue of the
British Soroptimist Magazine
, the editor wrote,
“Two things are clear to us in the midst of the bewilderment and distress of these present days. One is that as a band of women whose aim is the furthering of international understanding, we must stick together and keep in active working order our Soroptimist organization, the value of which is greater than ever before. The other is that when we emerge from this nightmare and the struggle is over, we must be stronger than ever to see that all our influence is cast on the side of a just and lasting peace.”
During this time,
The British Federation
embarked upon rescuing members of the
Vienna Soroptimist Club
and their families who were threatened by the Nazi regime. Over thirty refugees arrived in England from Vienna.
British Soroptimists
arranged their passage to a safe harbor in the United States where the brave and harassed women were helped by
American Soroptimists
. In addition, clubs in the
American Federation
generously gave gifts of money and clothing for distribution to stricken cities throughout Europe.
Read more about the war time years by visiting the website of Soroptimist International of Great Briton and Ireland.
