Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

Suitcase 70th anniversary commemoration of kindertransport arrival at

Liverpool Street Station on 2nd december 2008

On 2nd December 1938, the first Jewish child refugees from Nazi Germany arrived in Britain, at the start of what became known as the Kindertransport. Over a period of 18 months more than 9,500 children – mostly Jewish but including 2000 children of Hitler’s political opponents – were saved from almost certain death. Very few ever saw their parents or extended families again.

Many of these children passed through London’s Liverpool Street Station on their way to their final destinations across Britain. Their stories are little-known and rarely acknowledged. Seventy years on, it’s time to put that right.
Suitcase is a unique, innovative and ambitious theatre event that will take place at Liverpool Street Station on 2nd December 2008. Specially devised from original source material, Suitcase will reflect the stories of those who were there – from the bewildered Kindertransport children, to the waiting foster parents, bemused railway workers and the Kindertransport organisers. A promenade piece, the play will take small groups of audience on a journey around the station – as commuters continue to hurry to catch their trains.

Suitcase is taking place with the kind permission of Network Rail (Liverpool Street) and is financially supported by The German Embassy. It is a free-to-attend, non-profit-making event. We will be in touch nearer the time to confirm performance times – there will be three throughout 2nd December, each lasting approximately an hour. All places MUST be booked in advance and you are welcome to email your early interest.

And here comes the big ask: we are battling against the current economic crisis – and time – in order to raise the money for this event. We are a quarter of the way towards our target of just over £20,000 to make this event happen but we really need your financial support. Whatever you can give will be hugely appreciated – and of course publicly credited.

If you feel able to support us please email jane@khpl.co.uk or call 020 7503 1640 or 07767390319 for more information about Suitcase and how to contribute. Or you send a cheque made payable to Suitcase to us c/o KHPL Unit 1 Foskett Mews, Shacklewell Lane, London E8 2BZ.