Remarks at Scholar Rescue Fund Dinner

11 April, 2006

By Dr. Allan E. Goodman
President and CEO, Institute of International Education

In 1948, a book was published about the Institute's Emergency Committee in Aid of Displaced European Scholars.  The title was "The Rescue of Science and Learning."

This evening – and the SRF today – is also about that. 

Since the Fund became operational in 2002, we have rescued seven Iranian scholars; they represent the fields of law, physics, politics, history, sociology and journalism. 

And the FLTA program is making it possible – as you have heard – for Americans to begin to learn Farsi.  The FLTAs are opening American minds to the Persian culture which has given the world so much, and for a time defined what it meant to be civilized.

It may surprise you to know that there are only four language departments in the entire US that are recognized to teach Farsi and only one MLA-certified professor.

So the challenge continues for us on many fronts.  Many here are already helping; and my colleagues and I are especially grateful to Maryam Ansary who introduced me to her wonderful circle of friends.

Since this is a family evening, I wanted to share some news we are keeping in the family.  A few months ago, Lord Browne of Madingley and Senator Patrick Leahy nominated the Institute for the Nobel Peace Prize for its work in scholar rescue. We have probably helped some 20,000 individuals since we started in 1919.  Their scholarship has already won Nobel Prizes and advanced knowledge in many fields.  Those we help today – and, with your help, in the future as the need arises -- may hold the keys to the end of tyranny, poverty, and disease.  Nothing may contribute more to making the world a less dangerous place.