Jane Litwack was among the numerous children rescued by Nicholas Winton just before the outbreak of the Second World War.
In a cozy setting at the Second Cup café near her residence in western N.D.G., Jane Litwack shared memories of her grandfather as a soldier in the army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The date was Thursday, March 7, 2024, when she reflected on her past. She was part of a group of 669 children saved from Europe at the onset of World War II. The photograph capturing this moment was taken by John Mahoney for the Montreal Gazette.
The conversation with Jane began with her self-deprecating remark about her memory, setting the stage for a discussion about her experiences in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia during the summer of 1939. Despite her initial claim of a “rotten memory,” it became apparent that her recollection was more vivid than she let on.
The reason for our meeting was the upcoming release of the film “One Life,” scheduled to premiere that week. Based on the true story of Nicholas Winton, the movie depicts the heroic efforts of a young British stockbroker who facilitated the escape of nearly 700 children, predominantly Jewish, from Czechoslovakia just prior to the war.
Portrayed by Anthony Hopkins in his later years, Winton’s character is also depicted by Johnny Flynn in his youth. The film features a stellar cast including Helena Bonham Carter, Lena Olin, and Jonathan Pryce.
The narrative underscores the grim reality that most of the children rescued by Winton would have faced tragic fates in the Holocaust had they not been saved.
Jane’s family, identified as non-observant Jews, resided in Bratislava, with mounting concerns for their safety by 1938. Her father, a lawyer, had already witnessed the internment of one of his brothers in a concentration camp. Seeking refuge, he managed to secure passage for his wife and three daughters to England through Winton’s rescue mission. Amidst the turmoil, Jane, at the age of eight, embarked on a journey with her siblings towards a new life.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Jane recalls a sense of security derived from being with her sisters, dispelling any fears that might have lingered. The train ride to England, marked by German soldiers inspecting luggage, culminated in a boat voyage from the Dutch town of Hook of Holland. Subsequently, Jane and her sisters found shelter with a family in Hampshire.
The transition to a foreign land was surprisingly smooth for Jane, who confesses to having a selective memory that tends to highlight positive experiences over hardships.
Following her parents’ arrival in England and a mandatory year of service, the family reunited and resettled in Manchester. In 1951, they made the pivotal decision to relocate to Montreal, a choice influenced by familial ties and the aftermath of the Holocaust.
Jane’s poignant narrative intertwines themes of resilience, gratitude, and the enduring impact of collective trauma. Her reflections on the fortuitous reunion with Winton in 1990 underscore the profound gratitude she harbors towards those who orchestrated her rescue.
As she navigates through memories of survival and loss, Jane advocates for a legacy of kindness and reciprocity, emphasizing the importance of passing on the blessings one has received.
Despite the accolades she received at the premiere of “One Life,” Jane remains humble, acknowledging her role as a “saved child” who merely benefitted from the selfless actions of others.