"We learn from history that we learn nothing from history": Lessons on Genocide Prevention from the Kindertransport Open Access

Abstract

"We learn from history that we learn nothing from history": Lessons on Genocide Prevention from the Kindertransport Genocide remains one of the most prevalent forms of preventable mortality and morbidity for children today. Despite the creation of multiple internationalconventions, genocide has not been eliminated, and its effects disproportionally impact children. The Kindertransport was a series of rescue efforts that brought thousands of refugee children from Nazi Germany to the United Kingdom between 1938 and 1940. This qualitative study asks what public health professionals can learn from the prevention efforts of the Kindertransport by examining the experiences and reflections of individuals who were rescued as children. The specific aims of the study were to: 1) analyze qualitatively the impact of the rescue on rescued children; 2)evaluate the strengths and limitations of the Kindertransport as a prevention effort; and 3) draw implications for contemporary public health responses to global genocide. In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 survivors of the rescue, using a semi-structured interview guide. Five inductive themes emerged from the data related to: the broad spectrum of antisemitic persecution; the breakup of families; integration in the UK via the Kindertransport; the challenges of adapting to a new environment; and the implications for global rescue efforts. The results suggest that the public health community should act to prevent genocide through rapid intervention and rescue; at the same time, the effects of earlier forms of persecution must be addressed, and sustained social, emotional, and psychological support must be provided to those rescued.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Introduction 1 Problem Statement 1 Purpose Statement 3 Research Questions 4 Significance 4 Definition of Terms 4 Journal Selection 5 Literature Review 6 Genocide 7 Kindertransport 9 Genocide Prevention 11 New Public Health Literature 13 Methods 15 Sampling and Recruitment 16 Ethical Considerations 17 Data Collection 18 Data Analysis 18 Results 19 Sample 19 Broad Spectrum of Antisemitic Persecution 20 Breakup of Families 21 Integration in the United Kingdom via Kindertransport 24 Challenges of Adapting to a New Environment 25 Implications for Global Rescue Efforts 27 Discussion 29 Limitations 33 Implications for Public Health 34 Future Directions 35 References 37 Journal Article 49 Appendix: Interview Guide 64

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Executive Masters of Public Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	Kindertransport
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Evans, Dabney, Emory University
Committee Members	Grenville, Anthony ,
Partnering Agencies	Does not apply (no collaborating organization)

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