The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) has led tributes to Holocaust survivor Vera Schaufeld, who has died at the age of 95, praising her immense strength and courage.
Ms Schaufeld was described as an extraordinary ambassador whose work in Holocaust remembrance and education inspired countless people. Her significant contributions were formally recognised in 2019 when she was appointed an MBE at Buckingham Palace and later received an honorary doctorate from the University of Roehampton.
A Childhood Shattered by War
Born in Prague in 1930, Vera's life was irrevocably changed by the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia. At just nine years old, she was told she had to leave her home and parents to travel alone to England.
In 1939, she saw her parents for the final time before boarding Sir Nicholas Winton's Kindertransport. This rescue mission evacuated Jewish children from German-occupied territories following the horrors of Kristallnacht in November 1938, a night of coordinated violence that saw the destruction of hundreds of synagogues and Jewish properties.
Her parents remained in what is now the Czech Republic and were later sent to a concentration camp where they were murdered.
A Lifelong Mission of Education and Remembrance
Michael Newman, chief executive of the AJR, highlighted the profound bravery of the young girl. Despite being only nine years old, Vera's strength and courage shone through, as she bravely waved farewell to her parents, never to see them again, he said.
After being raised in England, Vera trained as a teacher. She spent time in Israel, where she met her husband, Avram, before returning to England. She continued her teaching career, seamlessly weaving her personal testimony into her educational work.
She became a dedicated ambassador, sharing her story in schools and colleges to ensure the lessons of the past were not forgotten.
An Enduring Legacy of Courage
Within the AJR, Ms Schaufeld's commitment was unwavering. She generously contributed her testimony to the Refugee Voices archive and participated in numerous lectures and educational events.
Through her eloquence and heartfelt storytelling, she brought the human dimension of the Kindertransport to life, Mr Newman stated.
He added a final, poignant tribute: Thank you, Vera, for your unwavering commitment, your strength, and your generosity. Your voice, your memory, and your spirit will continue to inspire all of us in the AJR - and beyond - for generations to come. The AJR confirmed that her accolades truly reflect just how much her work mattered.
