Editorial

In the Holocaust, more than 1.5 million children were murdered. ten thousand children were brought out of Nazi-occupied territories on the Kindertransports. A shocking ratio. And one which can leave us overwhelmed in the face of enormous evil. 

But at least something was done. By Quakers and others. People didn’t just say brave things, they did brave things to help where they could. ten thousand children survived. Children who became writers, scientists, teachers, artists, parents and grandparents lived. People who, if they had not come west on the Kindertransports, would almost certainly have been sent east in cattle trucks. 

Seventy years on we must challenge ourselves. What are we doing now about the terrible things Lotte Kramer speaks of, herself a Kindertransport child. Our Quaker faith leaves us in little doubt that we are compelled to act in the face of cruelty and injustice. 

“Above all we must take risks for God: look around us to the people who need help; listen to those who experience oppression; engage in the mutual process of liberation.”

Quaker Faith and Practice 24.49 

The challenges may be different, but the challenge to respond remains. As Marigold Bentley says about our ecumenical accompaniers, working with peace activists in Israel–Palestine (in Occupation brutalises all), at least they “can give a voice to all those working for peace in the region.” 

There is no time for the counsel of despair. We can stand alongside outsiders, and our small acts of love stack up as collective testament to our faith. 

Rachel Rees
Head of Communications and Fundraising