Based on the acclaimed HBO documentary, the astonishing true story of how one American couple transported fifty Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Austria to America in 1939—the single largest group of unaccompanied refugee children allowed into the United States—for readers of In the Garden of Beasts and A Train in Winter.
In early 1939, America’s rigid immigration laws made it virtually … virtually impossible for European Jews to seek safe haven in the United States. As deep-seated anti-Semitism and isolationism gripped much of the country, neither President Roosevelt nor Congress rallied to their aid.
Yet one brave Jewish couple from Philadelphia refused to silently stand by. Risking their own safety, Gilbert Kraus, a successful lawyer, and his stylish wife, Eleanor, traveled to Nazi-controlled Vienna and Berlin to save fifty Jewish children. Steven Pressman brought the Kraus’s rescue mission to life in his acclaimed HBO documentary, 50 Children. In this book, he expands upon the story related in the hour-long film, offering additional historical detail and context to offer a rich, full portrait of this ordinary couple and their extraordinary actions.
Drawing from Eleanor Kraus’s unpublished memoir, rare historical documents, and interviews with more than a dozen of the surviving children, and illustrated with period photographs, archival materials, and memorabilia, 50 Children is a remarkable tale of personal courage and triumphant heroism that offers a fresh, unique insight into a critical period of history.
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This is a poignant book in that it addresses many of the real circumstances of WWII. It combines very brave characters who do not need or want accolades.
I highly recommend this book and I will be reading it again.
Based upon Eleanor Kraus’ memoirs, Steven Pressman researched the actions of Philadelphia’s fraternal order B’rith Sholom, Eleanor and Gil Kraus and Dr. Bob Schless, US foreign ambassadors and diplomats George Messersmith and Raymond Geist and their concerted efforts to legally bring 50 Viennese Jewish children to America in 1939.
Not from a religious perspective, moral outrage or indignation, nor for self accolade, the Krauses and Schless agree to help B’rith Sholom leaders from a humanitarian perspective. It is this angle that ultimately breaks down myths that have surrounded many Allied countries’ World War 2 roles, as well as an ever-present one that the Jews did not fight the Nazis. Sadly, it also portrays the utter selfishness in the human character, especially when someone achieved success when others failed through no fault of their own making.
Bureaucracy and bureaucrats have never been known to be helpful, but the roles that Messersmith and Geist play, while adhering to the rules, is pivotal in the Krauses’ and Schless’ success. At a time when Germany allowed Jews to emigrate, though having absconded with their goods and their finances made it almost impossible, the Krauses devised a plan to follow the laws set in place; B’rith Sholom’s financial backing and true desire to help pit the plan in to action. Pressman’s detailing of Eleanor’s pre-trip paperwork truly reveals just how difficult obtaining Visas was for Jewish emigres.
I think the highlight for me was Pressman’s research on what happened to the children after they became adults. The Afterward is also especially crucial to the historiography of 1930s Europe and Jewry.
A truly inspirational book. Sad that so many people had a low opinion of Jews. But inspiring that a young couple were daring enough to travel to another country and rescue these children.
didn’t realize more children could have been saved if people had not been against immigration, seems relevant for today’s world.
Who would have thought . . . I had never heard this story. Finding out how they came to the United States was a good story in itself but the author then told about each child of their life after and how it went for them. Well done.
Interesting book. The tragic events during Hitlers time in Germany and surrounding countries and one American couple and their attempt to save some of the Jewish children.
History you don’t read about in our history books.
I never kinew …………
interesting history
The book shows what can happen when one makes a commitment to something. Brave and persevering people.
Well written
Good book, very informative. Parts were a bit harder to get through, due to the legalities involved in their project. Parts were fascinating and easily read. And, of course, there were sad parts…..due to the subject matter. Overall, I’m glad I read the book. It was definitely not like most other books I’ve read.