Bearing Witness: The Stories of Survival

 Suzie Rosenstock, a Kindertransport child, shared her story with us, as vividly recalled and recounted by her daughter, Elaine Peizer. Suzie's experience sheds light on how the trauma of the past can deeply affect families, even when the stories remain unspoken for decades.

Elaine told us that her mother, Suzie, rarely spoke about this profound period of her life. While Elaine knew something significant had happened, the full story of the Kindertransport remained a mystery, a quiet presence in their family history. The silence surrounding her mother's past was finally broken when Suzie's cousin, a refugee from South Africa, visited. He turned to Suzie and asked, "How did it feel for you to be a refugee?"

It was at that very moment, as Elaine happened to be walking past, that she heard her mother, in her 70s, recount the story of the Kindertransport for the very first time. This powerful revelation underscores the deep emotional impact of these experiences and the courage it took for survivors to eventually share their truths.

Suzie's mother had always imparted a crucial piece of wisdom: "Remember the past, live in the present, look to the future." This philosophy profoundly shaped Suzie's life and her eventual decision to share her story, allowing future generations to learn from both the painful memories and the enduring hope of the Kindertransport.
 

 Manford Korman is a Kindertransport survivor who generously shared his incredible journey with us. His story highlights the immediate impact of leaving everything familiar behind and arriving in a foreign land as a child.

Mr. Korman vividly recounted his experiences of being separated from his family and the overwhelming sensation of arriving in Britain. He spoke about the challenges of adapting to a new culture, a new language, and a new way of life, all while carrying the profound weight of what he had left behind in Germany. Despite the difficulties, his story is a testament to the resilience of the Kindertransport children and the compassion of those who offered them refuge. Listening to Mr. Korman provided us with a direct, personal connection to the historical events, making the statistics and facts truly come alive.