Kindertransport founder’s daughter on second generation conference lineup

The daughter of the Kindertransport founder Sir Nicholas Winton, Barbara, and Lord Eric Pickles are on the lineup at a Holocaust remembrance conference for second generation families.

The two-day event to be held at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium is aimed at second generation families, Holocaust educators and academics.

It has been organised by the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) in partnership with the Chelsea Foundation.

The children of Holocaust survivors and refugees account for over a third of the AJR’s membership. A majority (86 percent) of them expressed interest in services such as help with genealogical research, meetups and events specific to them in a recent survey.

“While our primary focus is on delivering critical social welfare services to the first generation, we have identified a need to develop a programme for the second generation,” said the AJR chief executive Michael Newman.

“Our recent survey identified key concerns for the second generation and we will endeavour to establish a special interest group for AJR 2G members while starting to develop specific services and activities,” he added.

The AJR’s Debra Barnes, who is leading the group’s second generation development work, said: “As second generation myself I recognise the value of having specific social and cultural opportunities and support for our members who are the children of refugees and survivors.

“Personally, I identify strongly with the importance of preserving the stories of the Holocaust to keep memories alive and accepting the responsibility of continuing the legacy of our parents, as well as being honoured to help others do so through the work of the AJR.”

The conference “Remembering and Rethinking: The international forum on the Second Generation” will run from 21 to 22 April. You can buy tickets online.