On Tuesday 22nd May thousands of students joined our Live Webcast with Kindertransport refugee Harry Bibring BEM, as part of our Stories from Willesden Lane Project – educating young people about the Holocaust and those saved by the Kindertransport.
Stories from Willesden Lane is a project based on The Children of Willesden Lane, a book which tells the story of Lisa Jura who was brought to England on the Kindertransport. Lisa was forced to flee her home in Vienna as a young girl and rebuild her life in London during the Second World War. Her incredible story and her refusal to give up on her dreams is inspiring thousands of students across London.
A live question and answer session with Harry was broadcast to London schools taking part in the project, supported by The Association of Jewish Refugees. Students had the opportunity to ask Harry questions they are not able to ask Lisa, bringing to life the reality of the project in the 80th anniversary year of the Kindertransport Programme.
Harry was born on 26th December 1925 in Vienna, Austria. On 10th November 1938, Harry’s father’s menswear business was looted and destroyed during Kristallnacht. Fearing for the safety of their children, Harry’s parents decided that he and his sister should leave for Britain on the Kindertransport.
Harry had a clear message for young people:
If you get rid of prejudice, you get rid of discrimination.
If you get rid of discrimination, you get rid of genocide.
Don't be a bystander.
Our Stories from Willesdane Lane Project aims to encourage young people to think about their role as active citizens in today’s society and understand the importance of challenging intolerance and prejudice in their communities, Harry sent this clear message out to students this week. You can find out more about the project here.
If you missed the webcast, you can watch Harry here.