Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport

Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport recounts the remarkable rescue operation that saved the lives of over 10,000 Jewish and other children from Nazi-controlled territories in the months leading up to World War II. It chronicles the Kindertransport, a British-led initiative that brought children from Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland to safety in the United Kingdom between 1938 and 1940.

The documentary features firsthand accounts from the now-elderly survivors who were part of this extraordinary exodus. These “Kinder,” as they were known in German, share their poignant memories of leaving their families behind, often never to see them again. It also includes perspectives from rescuers, parents, and foster parents, providing a multifaceted view of this historical event.

Through rare footage, photographs, and artifacts, the film paints a vivid picture of the children’s experiences. It details their journey by train, boat, and plane to Great Britain, where they were placed in foster homes, hostels, schools, and farms. It highlights the complex emotions these young refugees faced as they adapted to life in a foreign country, grappling with a new language, culture, and the uncertainty of their families’ fates.

The Kindertransport began in the wake of Kristallnacht, the violent pogrom against Jews in November 1938. It continued until the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, with a few transports occurring as late as 1940. The film contextualizes this rescue effort within the broader historical landscape of Nazi persecution and the impending Holocaust.

Narrated by Judi Dench, the documentary offers a powerful testament to the resilience of these child survivors and the compassion of those who aided them.