Thursday, November 27, 2008

Suitcase Kindertransport – 70th Anniversary Play London Liverpool Street


“On 2nd December 1938, the first Jewish child refugees from Nazi‐occupied Europe arrived in Britain, at the start of what became known as the Kindertransport. Over a period of eighteen months more than 9,500 children – mostly Jewish but including 2000 children of Hitler’s political opponents – were saved from almost certain death. Very few ever saw their parents or extended families again. Many of these children passed through London’s Liverpool Street Station on their way to their final destinations across Britain”

I never knew this. I use London Liverpool Street two or three times a week. Last night coming back from my UNISON branch meeting in central London. I have also occasionally walked (or rather rushed) past those cast statues of children opposite McDonalds and had always meant to but never did, go over and find out what they were all about. I now see that they remember the Kindertransport children as well.

While saving 9,500 kids lives is obviously something to celebrate you will also think of the hundreds of thousands who were not saved and murdered, many in even a more brutal and sadistic manner than even Baby P.

On Tuesday 2 December there will be a free "original mix of site specific theatre and music" to mark the anniversary - 10.30, 1pm and 7.30pm. See pdf flyer above left. Click to enlarge.

I’ll try and attend one of the performances on Tuesday. It’s not often you have live music and theatre in a railway station, although at times there is plenty of drama.

This event is “generously sponsored by the German Embassy”. Personally I am very pleased that they are and think it is appropriate. I can understand that some may differ.

Update: Pictures of statues and new report Feb 2011 here

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post

and its tragic to see Jewish people being targetted in India today

Britain should have done more to get Jewish people out of Germany and Europe, indeed one train never made Britain and was turned back in France...all later were killed in the concentration camps.

One of those children who got out was Alf Dubbs ex Labour MP for Battersae.

However, Ireland actively stopped Jewish people getting to Ireland and refused to take any quota

Thank goodness so many Irish people fought (and worked)for Britain during WW2 against their Governmnet wishes and against the fascists.

These hero's were even banned from wearing their uniforms on returning home and the union jack was ripped down from Trinity College, Dublin

Never forget our history

John Gray said...

Anon
Well said! On Sunday 7 December it is also the 70th anniversary as well of the return of the British Battalion, International Brigade from the Spanish Civil War to London Victoria Station where they were greeted by Labour leader Clement Attlee!