Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) was a poet, activist, and philanthropist from a prominent Sephardic Jewish family. Born in the United States, she was an ardent advocate for refugees seeking asylum, and argued for both relaxed immigration laws, and for the creation of a Jewish homeland before the concept of Zionism became well known.
At age 37, and already gravely ill and seeking to shape her legacy, Lazarus compiled her poems a year before her death. Placing “The New Colossus” first, with its welcome message for immigrants, was a bold choice. Seventeen years later, the poem was permanently installed inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
Hear more from curator Esther Schor.