The Essential Link: The Story of Wilfrid Israel

The Essential Link: The Story of Wilfrid Israel is a documentary directed bu Yonatan Nir. Wilfrid Israel was one of the richest men in Germany. He was the owner of the largest department store in Berlin. When the Nazis came into power, he arranged to have all of his Jewish employees sent to England, thereby saving their lives.

Israel was the key player in the Kindertransport. We can only imagine what it was like for the parents to send their children to England while they were forced to stay behind. However, these brave people knew that destruction was imminent. At least they were secure in the knowledge that their children wouldn't die in the Holocaust.

Wilfrid Israel was described as a secretive man, which probably helped him in his work. However, this made it difficult for director Nir to compose a full-length biography. By bringing together some photos, some films of the Kindertransport, and some interviews, he was able to give us a memorable film.

We saw this movie at Rochester's excellent Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum. It was shown as part of the outstanding Rochester Jewish Film Festival. It will work on the small screen. Find it and watch it!