In 1939 Henny got in because two ordinary people named Gilbert and Eleanor Kraus were brave enough to travel to Nazi Germany even though they were Jewish.
"We can delay and effectively stop.....the number of immigrants into the United States."
-Breckinridge Long, Assistant Secretary of State
Henny got in because these two people jumped through many, many hoops to satisfy both the American and the Germany government.
"If you leave, your life will be saved, and then I will have a better chance of saving my own life."
- Rosa Weisz
Henny got in because parents were incredibly strong. The scared and anxious parents stood on the platform and watched their children leave on the train. They tried to give comfort and encouragement with their eyes.
"Jews are not permitted to give the Nazi salute. If the parents raise their arms to wave, they will be arrested."
-Hedy Neufeld
Henny and 49 other children arrived in the United States. Imagine having to pick which 50 when there were so many desperate parents. Their story might never have been told except for the journal that Eleanor had written. Steven Pressman was able to find out that in 2013 there were 19 of the children who were still living. Eighteen had died and he was not able to find out about the other 13. Maybe with the publication of this book more stories can be completed.
A powerful story. I wish my country had done more when there was a chance to save many, many more lives.
(There is also an HBO documentary about this story).
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