One Life: The 'British Schindler' Nicky Winton & The Kindertransport
Jan 24, 2024
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Nicky Winton, the 'British Schindler', saved 669 Jewish children during World War Two. This episode features interviews with Helena Bonham Carter and survivors of the Kindertransport. It also explores Hitler's will, dangerous times in Nazi Germany, and the importance of individual heroism.
Nicky Winton, known as the 'British Schindler,' saved 669 Jewish children during World War II by organizing their transportation to safety in Britain.
The Kindertransport, which brought about 1,000 Jewish children to Britain, provided them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and find joy through cultural activities and resilience.
Deep dives
Nicky Winton's Heroic Rescue of Jewish Children
Nicky Winton, often referred to as the British Schindler, saved the lives of 669 Jewish children on the eve of World War II. He organized the transportation of these children from Nazi-occupied Europe to safety in Britain on trains. With the help of friends and family, he found foster families for the kids. His efforts went largely unnoticed until a BBC TV show in the late 20th century when survivors reunited with him. Nicky Winton received a knighthood before his passing in 2015. His story is now told in the movie 'One Life,' in which Anthony Hopkins portrays the older Nicholas Winton.
Herman Rothman's Experience on the Kindertransport
Herman Rothman was one of the Jewish children saved by the Kindertransport, an initiative that brought about 1,000 Jewish children to Britain from Germany. Rothman recalls growing up in Germany during the rise of the Nazis and experiencing discrimination and violence. With the help of his family, he managed to join the Kindertransport and was eventually settled in Guret Castle in North Wales. After working on local farms, he made his way to London and later married an English woman. Rothman went on to serve in the British Army during World War II and worked as an interrogator of high-ranking German officials.
Life in Gurric Castle and Wollstone
After arriving in Gurric Castle, the Jewish children from the Kindertransport faced challenging living conditions, with limited bedding and amenities. However, they made the most of their time, forming orchestras and engaging in cultural activities. Some children were eventually placed in Wollstone, a neighborhood in London. One survivor, Henry Glantz, shares his experience of working, meeting his wife, and the life lessons learned from surviving the trauma of losing his family during the Holocaust. Glantz emphasized the importance of carrying on and finding joy in life despite the hardships endured.
Reflections on Survival and Resilience
Both Rothman and Glantz reflect on the impact of their survival and the resilience they developed in order to rebuild their lives after the trauma of the Holocaust. They acknowledge the sadness of losing their families and the lasting effects this had on them. However, they also emphasize the importance of carrying on and cherishing life. Rothman's story highlights the significance of finding cultural connections and music during challenging times. Glantz, having married and lived a long life, reflects on the lessons learned and the gratitude of still being able to share his story.
Nicholas Winton masterminded an effort that saved the lives of 669 Jewish Children from Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War Two. There's a new movie out called 'One Life' telling the incredible story of Nicholas - 'Nicky' - a man people called the 'British Schindler' and stars Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Flynn.
In 1938 Nicky was planning to go on a skiing Vacation in Switzerland but cancelled his trip to set up a rescue operation for children at risk of persecution. He arranged their transportation to safety in Britain. His efforts and the Kindertransport, set up by the British Government, saved the lives of 10,000, mostly Jewish, children across Europe.
In this episode, Dan tells a story of meeting Nicky, shares his interview with Helena Bonham Carter whose own family helped Jews escape the Nazis in WW2 and speaks to Herman Rothman and Henry Glanz who escaped the Nazis on the Kindertransport.
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