Impacts

Short-Term

The homes of every Jewish person living in Germany at the time was destroyed. Although, by that time only the adults were living in their homes. The children had just made it to Britain and were starting new lives. Foster families that were living in Britain took in Jewish children and would foster them until they were of age to move on. This foster family program was set up with any family that was willing to take in children and care for them. Some families took as many as 5 children. Women had started to have a huge impact on the children because they took care of them and made sure they made it their destination.

The children leaving their mothers at the train station have been mentioned as one of the most lastly impacting moments of a child's experience on the Kindertransport. Many survivors talked about their mothers and how they felt disconnected from their fathers. Mothers had such a big impact on their children that in their testimonies after they left Germany, the children would talk about their mother's love. Along with women taking charge, children would also help each other in many ways. Many of the children were very fearful for their future, but with the help of women on board and organizing the transports, it made the process much easier and smoother for the children. Having a mother figure with them gave them a sense of love, that someone in the world cared about them and wanted them to be safe.

Image caption: Hitler looking out at his army, from Holocaust Encyclopedia

Long-Term

As a result of the Holocaust, many of the children that were transported out of Germany, on the Kindertransport, were the only surviving members in their families. In most cases, the rest of their family was killed because they were adults but the children were able to escape and stay alive. Now, decades later, many of those survivors are being offered compensation by the German government. These survivors have been living in Britain since escaping and will receive $2,800 in compensation. This money comes from the German government and The Claims Conference where they have continuously been discussing this because The Claims Conference has given out money for years to Holocaust survivors.

Women played a huge role in the transport and the children's lives that those children tried to help the women in return. Many of the children tried finding the women that helped them so they could repay and thank them. Though many of the searches were unsuccessful, the children were still extremely impacted by the women and mothers that helped to safety and to start a new life. The women who helped throughout the entire process of the Kindertransport were greatly appreciated even though they were never formally recognized. The oppression and discrimination towards Jewish people would only grow even after the Holocaust. Antisemitism has become something that is unfortunately very common across the world. Although the Kindertransport saved thousands of Jewish children's lives, they are still fighting for their right in society to this day.

Image captions:

Children waving goodbye as they leave on the one the ships with the Kindertransport, from Holocaust Memorial (Top Photo)

Women and child hanging out of the window on the on the transports, from Holocaust Memorial (Bottom Photo)

Statues made to honor Kindertransport children and families.

From Frank Meisler - Fine Art Metal Sculptures

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