NEW EDITION September 2022

About the book

This book is in two parts. The first is an account of the efforts of dynamic Rabbi Dr Solomon Schonfeld to bring a transport of 148 child Holocaust survivors from Slovakia at the onset of the Communist regime, to a safe haven where they could begin to recover from the traumas they had suffered, nurtured in a traditional Jewish environment.

The second part comprises the individual stories contributed by 54 of these children and 6 others, of their own devastating experiences, many told for the first time.

One hundred of the party went to live in Clonyn Castle in the Republic of Ireland, purchased by a Jewish philanthropist from Manchester. Here they had the chance to recuperate in free and secure surroundings and the direction of their future lives was decided. Many retained a deep nostalgia for this significant time in their young lives as they describe in their reminiscences, as well as their profound gratitude and affection for Rabbi Schonfeld.

The book is illustrated with original archival documents recording the progress of the scheme, newspaper cuttings and photos, amongst them some treasured mementoes.

The Hide-and-Seek Children eventually recovered from the unspeakable treatment they received, but none returned to their country of birth. Their subsequent achievements as described here are truly inspiring.

A personal message from Barbara

I am glad to tell you that the second edition of The Hide-and-Seek Children is now available.

It reproduces the original book which is out of print. Four more stories have been included and some have added to their original contribution, so it’s now a heavier book! It has been edited by my daughter Celia and brought up to date. With the skills of our friends at MinaLima it has also been given a far more attractive appearance. 

This new edition is dedicated to the descendants of The Hide-and-Seek Children.

I am so grateful to all the contributors for sharing their stories with me, and I hope that this new edition does full justice to them. 

With very best wishes,

  Barbara

Please circulate this announcement to your family and friends as I may not have up-to-date addresses for them.

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