Book Summary50 Children, by Steven Pressman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of 50 Children

The reasons and background for the decisions made by Mr. and Mrs. Kraus.

Pressman portrays the Krauses as ordinary individuals whose deep empathy, personal convictions, and family history drove them to embark on a remarkable mission of salvation. They embarked on this challenging mission, driven by a shared commitment to social justice, particularly in response to the escalating persecution of Jews by the Nazis.

Gil Kraus upheld the philanthropic heritage established by his father, Solomon, by devoting his efforts to the pursuit of social justice.

This segment delves into the profound commitment to social equity that Gil Kraus inherited from his father, Solomon. Gilbert's formative years, shaped by the philanthropic and compassionate traditions of his kin, played a pivotal role in his choice to undertake the humanitarian endeavor.

Gilbert's upbringing and family background instilled in him a strong dedication to serving the community and an intense aspiration to aid those in need.

Pressman paints a vivid picture of Gil's upbringing in a prominent German Jewish family deeply embedded in Philadelphia's social and philanthropic circles. Solomon, the grandfather on his father's side and a proficient agent in property dealings, dedicated his life to enhancing society and embracing the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, actively engaging in various organizations such as the Brotherhood of Peace. Solomon was instrumental in establishing a medical institution in Philadelphia dedicated to offering treatment to those afflicted with tuberculosis, underscoring his family's dedication to aiding the disadvantaged. Raised in an environment that emphasized the importance of community, Gil developed a deep-seated dedication to helping the less fortunate, which eventually propelled him to coordinate a major life-saving mission.

Context

• Philadelphia has a rich history of Jewish immigration, with many Jewish families becoming prominent in business, culture, and philanthropy, contributing significantly to the city's development.
• Jewish communities have a long tradition of philanthropy, often driven by religious and cultural values that emphasize the importance of charity (tzedakah) and community support.

Other Perspectives

• Dedication to enhancing society can be subjective; what Solomon viewed as enhancements may not have been universally seen as positive by all members of the community.
• The narrative may present Solomon's actions in a purely positive light without acknowledging any complexities or ethical dilemmas that might have been involved in his philanthropic endeavors.
• The aspiration to aid those in need could also be a result of Gilbert's own personal values and ethical considerations, which may have developed independently of his family's influence.
• The influence of family background on an individual's values can vary greatly, and some people may choose paths that diverge significantly from their upbringing.

Eleanor Kraus, who was used to a comfortable life within Philadelphia's wealthy Jewish circles, was just as ready to set aside her personal comforts for the sake of humanitarian work.

Eleanor is depicted as a sophisticated woman who delighted in her esteemed position, basking in the opulence of the wealthy Jewish neighborhood in Philadelphia, and she had a sharp eye for style. Initially reluctant, Eleanor agreed to prioritize her husband's project, recognizing the risks involved in entering Nazi-occupied territories. She demonstrated her commitment to the mission by tirelessly seeking individuals willing to provide the necessary affidavits on behalf of the children.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for a local charity or organization that aligns with the values of a historical figure you respect. If Eleanor Kraus's community involvement inspires you, find a cause that resonates with you and offer your time or resources. This not only helps the organization but also allows you to walk in the footsteps of influential...

50 Children Summary Throughout the 1930s in Europe, the widespread discrimination against Jewish individuals and the suppression of their communities set the stage.

Pressman skillfully weaves the story of the endeavors undertaken by the Kraus couple with the broader historical backdrop of escalating anti-Jewish sentiment and the suppression of Jewish communities throughout Europe in the 1930s. He vividly depicts the horrific conditions European Jews suffered under Nazi dominion, emphasizing the operation's vital role in preserving their existence.

The rise of Nazi Germany to power and the subsequent annexation of Austria created an environment filled with fear, marked by acts of violence, discriminatory behavior, and the persecution of Jewish people.

This part of the book depicts the grueling life Jews faced under the brutal and tyrannical rule of the Nazis, emphasizing the escalating barbarity and the systematic deprivation of human dignity from an entire group of people. The author details the significant decline in conditions experienced by Jewish people after Austria was annexed by the Third Reich.

Jewish communities in Germany and Austria faced increasingly severe limitations that resulted in the loss of their jobs, business holdings, and homes, along with a rise in arrests, imprisonments, and instances of taking one's own...

50 Children Summary The mission to save these individuals encountered a variety of legal, administrative, and logistical challenges.

The story delves into the complex and demanding path that Gil and Eleanor navigated, emphasizing the myriad of legal, bureaucratic, and logistical obstacles they overcame. He underscores the considerable obstacles created by the strict U.S. immigration policies and the detailed paperwork necessary, along with the dangers and intricacies linked to the administrative processes enforced by the Nazi regime.

Gil and Eleanor Kraus encountered significant obstacles as they navigated through the complex and restrictive immigration policies of the United States.

This section of the narrative explores the intricate and inflexible nature of the U.S. immigration framework, highlighting how the strict quota system and visa requirements significantly curtailed the entry of refugees into the country. The story emphasizes the bureaucratic hurdles the Krauses faced in securing the required documentation for the children's travel.

The State Department was aware of the Krauses' objectives but faced regulatory hurdles that made the admission of a significant group of Jewish refugees challenging.

Pressman uncovers the inherent paradox in dealings that involve American envoys....

50 Children Summary The operation had a deep impact on not only the children but also their family members.

Pressman skillfully depicts the deep emotional effects experienced by the children, their family members, and the Krauses as a result of the rescue mission. He poignantly portrays the heart-wrenching farewells, the perpetual fear, and the profound impact these separations left on the families.

The profound sorrow and immense sacrifices made by Jewish families were poignantly illustrated by the separation from their children in Vienna.

This passage delves into the profound emotions experienced during the heartfelt parting between the children and their guardians in Vienna. At the railway depot, the parents maintained their composure with grace and held back their sorrow, confronting the chance that this farewell to their offspring could be their final one. He underscores the deep anguish stemming from such a severe action, born out of the belief by parents that the sole opportunity for their children's survival lay in the heartbreaking decision to separate from them.

The compassion of Eleanor Kraus, as well as that of the bystanders, was deeply stirred by the bravery and calmness the parents exhibited while placing their children's fate into the hands of an unknown...

50 Children Summary The children's successful relocation and their subsequent adaptation to new lives in America.

The book concludes by praising the extraordinary endeavor that rescued the children and their remarkable ability to adjust to life in America. He underscores their integration into American society, their accomplishments, and the enduring influence of the remarkable initiative led by the Krauses.

Upon arriving at New York Harbor, the group of 50 children was greeted with lively festivities organized by Brith Sholom, the group responsible for their interim welfare.

The President Harding's arrival at New York Harbor marked the successful conclusion of the rescue mission. Upon reaching American shores, the children who had fled the terrors of Nazi Germany received a warm welcome from the individuals and families linked to Brith Sholom. The author highlights the collective sense of jubilation and liberation felt by those involved, acknowledging the success of this extraordinary endeavor orchestrated by an ordinary couple from the city known for its brotherly love.

The children flourished within American society thanks to the supportive atmosphere created by the foster families and the Brith Sholom community, showcasing the lasting impact of the Krauses'...