85 years on, Kindertransport descendants retrace their family’s steps
Kinder from across US and UK gather at Harwich and Liverpool Street for emotional commemoration
More than 70 descendants of Kindertransport Hololcaust survivors have retraced part of the journey made by their family members during the historic rescue mission undertaken 85 years ago.
As part of the commemorations, the Kinder, from across the UK and US, were brought together by The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) and the Kindertransport Association to travel between London Liverpool St and Harwich.
The event marked the 85th anniversary of the historic Kindertransport, the British scheme which saved the lives of more than 10,000 German and Austrian Jewish children who, unaccompanied, fled Nazi persecution to London during the Second World War.
Mike Karp, chairman, AJR, said: “On behalf of us all at the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) we are thankful to the Kindertransport Association for joining us to honour all those involved in bringing the Kinder to safety.
“Retracing part of the journey our ancestors took 85 years ago, alongside fellow Kindertransport descendants, from across the pond, has been incredibly moving. We look forward to further commemorations, during this special anniversary year, including marking the milestone with the Lord Mayor at Mansion House in July.”
Danny Kalman, Kindertransport Chair, AJR said: “Today, The AJR’s Next Generation membership is fast growing – with many of the children and grandchildren of those original refugees joining the organisation to preserve and celebrate their family history. It was heartening to see multiple generations, convening to pay tribute to this unique humanitarian rescue mission.”
Michael Newman, chief executive officer, AJR, said: “The AJR is proud of all the Kindertransport monuments, including the ones at Harwich, which we were delighted to sponsor, and London Liverpool Street, as well as other sites across the country.
“It is our great hope that as well as fascinating passers-by the monuments will form a tangible link in the story of the Kinder’s escape from Nazism and the sanctuary they received in Britain. It is our fervent wish that the memorials help bring the past into the present and perpetuate the memory of the Holocaust.”
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