Exhibit tells the story of 'Kindertransport' rescuing children from Nazi Germany

There’s an important and deeply moving exhibition at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis called “Kindertransport – Rescuing Children on the Brink of War” running through the end of October, in person and online.

It illuminates the story of the Kindertransport (German for “children’s transport”) — the astonishing rescue effort that brought nearly 10,000 Jewish children from Nazi Germany to Great Britain and other countries, including Sweden, between 1938 and 1940.

“Kindertransport” explores these difficult and often heartbreaking journeys through original artifacts and personal stories. It brings the Kindertransport to life by presenting objects that children brought with them on their passage to England; letters between parents and children; new audio testimonies by survivors; and a series of stories that link materials in the gallery to the broader context of the era.

The Minnesota debut of this exhibition is accompanied by “The Story is Here,” which features the stories of families in the Midwest who were personally affected by the Kindertransport.

One of those Minnesotans was Benno Black, who was 13 years old in 1939 and recently died on Oct. 13 at age 96. The Kindertransport made it possible for Black to escape Nazi Germany to Britain.

“Personally, he was a real bright light in an otherwise dim landscape this past year,” said exhibit organizer Susie Greenberg of the Jewish Community Relations Council on Black’s passing. “I was so fortunate to know him, and his family is filled with gratitude that he was able to be part of the exhibit and participate.”

Greenberg, who is associate director of holocaust education at JCRC of Minnesota and the Dakotas, spoke with host Cathy Wurzer on Minnesota Now about the exhibit. This segment also features MPR News reporter Tim Nelson’s interview with Benno Black from 2014.

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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