In 1937, as the Nazis rose to power in Danzig, sixteen-year-old Justus Rosenberg was sent to Paris for safety. However, by 1940, with France under German control, he found himself alone, penniless, and cut off from his family in Poland. Justus fled south and encountered Varian Fry, an American journalist in Marseille who was aiding thousands, including notable artists and intellectuals, in escaping the Nazis. With his German heritage, knowledge of French culture, and fluency in multiple languages, Justus became an essential part of Fry's network, acting as a spy and scout. The young man thrived underground, managing counterfeit documents, secret passwords, and escape routes while navigating dangerous encounters with gangsters. Unfortunately, when Fry had to leave France, Justus could not escape. Over the next four years, he relied on his wits and skills to evade capture, survive life-threatening situations, and continue resisting the Nazis, working with the French Resistance and later aligning with the U.S. Army. After the war, he emigrated to America and built a new life. Justus’ story is one of bravery, adventure, and survival, reflecting on the kindness of others and the fortunate circumstances that allowed him to endure.
