Tributes paid to Holocaust survivor Vera Schaufeld

Tributes paid to Holocaust survivor Vera Schaufeld

Vera Schaufeld, a survivor of the Holocaust, passed away at the age of 95 and has been widely recognized for her remarkable resilience and bravery. The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) honored her as an “extraordinary ambassador” whose efforts have inspired numerous individuals, highlighting the significant impact of her work.

Born in Prague in 1930, Vera was only nine years old when she was sent to England alone after the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia. She never saw her parents again after leaving on the Kindertransport, an initiative organized by Sir Nicholas Winton to rescue Jewish children following the violent events of Kristallnacht in 1938. Tragically, her parents remained in the region that is now the Czech Republic and were later killed in a concentration camp.

After settling in England, Ms. Schaufeld pursued a career in teaching and spent some time living in Israel, where she met her husband, Avram. Returning to England, she dedicated herself to education, not only as a teacher but also as a passionate advocate for Holocaust remembrance. She shared her personal story in schools, colleges, and within the AJR community, ensuring that future generations would understand the human experiences behind historical events.

Michael Newman, chief executive of the AJR, praised her unwavering commitment, stating that Vera’s testimony richly added to the Refugee Voices archive and that she actively took part in many educational engagements. He reflected on Vera’s ability to vividly convey the personal side of the Kindertransport through her heartfelt storytelling. He expressed gratitude for her lifelong dedication, emphasizing that her spirit and memory will inspire many for years to come. In recognition of her work, she was awarded an MBE in 2019 and later received an honorary doctorate from the University of Roehampton

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