Former U.S. Foreign Service agent, Lionel Rosenblatt, passed away at the age of 82 after battling cancer. He gained recognition for defying orders in 1975 to lead an unauthorized rescue operation, saving numerous Vietnamese individuals before the Fall of Saigon.
Rosenblatt’s colleague, Craig Johnstone, reflected on their daring decision to take matters into their own hands when they believed their Vietnamese associates faced certain danger from advancing North Vietnamese forces. The duo orchestrated flights for hundreds of at-risk Vietnamese citizens out of the country, operating covertly to avoid interference from local authorities.
Upon their return to Washington, Rosenblatt met with then-Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, expecting reprimand but receiving praise instead. He continued his work with refugees, contributing to resettling post-war Vietnamese migrants in the U.S. and assisting Cambodians fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime.
Rosenblatt’s advocacy extended to the Hmong tribe in Laos, who faced challenges in resettlement despite their service as U.S. allies. He worked to ensure their acceptance and supported humanitarian initiatives in crisis regions like Bosnia and Rwanda during his tenure as president of Refugees International.
Colleagues remember Rosenblatt as a dedicated and unconventional advocate for refugees, with a profound impact on countless lives. His legacy as a compassionate force for displaced individuals continues to inspire those in the humanitarian field.