Kindertransport 

Kindertransport was a program implemented to rescue Jewish children from Nazi persecution by sending them to the United Kingdom, saving many children’s lives before World War II.

What started as a small mission rescuing insignificant amounts of children resulted in around 10,000 lives saved during Nazi persecution. Because of fear of the United Kingdom’s security when letting Jewish people enter, the country decided to only take in unaccompanied children. Volunteer families in the United Kingdom agreed to take the children in and were largely why this rescue operation was possible. Kindertransport children were loaded onto trains, often leaving behind other siblings and always leaving behind their parents. 8 total trains were sent in the direction of the United Kingdom. While the devastation of separated families was heavy, parents knew their children may have a better chance at a life if they got to leave Nazi Germany. These movements began following Kristallnacht, a tragic and devastating night for the Jewish people of Germany. During such a dark period in Europe, Kindertransport was a great humanitarian effort to save lives amidst horrifying conditions. The survivors of Kindertransport are now elderly and are known for their resilience during the time before World War II. Most of them were never reunited with their families but are greatful for escaping the disaster.