Presented by Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, this film “The Forgotten Children” dates to 1945. It was written by Mildred Barish Vermont, produced by Hazel Greenwald and narrated by Quentin Reynolds. This short documentary film produced by the Hadassah organization to raise funds for the Youth Aliyah movement. It describes the story of children who were orphaned after World War II, and collected by the Youth Aliyah movement, and were allowed to emigrate to Israel and get a new life . It includes footage from the docking of the immigration ship Henrietta Sold and the deportation of the immigrants to internment camps in Cyprus, from the youth immigration institutions in Israel, and disturbing footage from the ghettos and the Holocaust / concentration camp aftermath. Overall, the film emphasizes the contrast between the darkness of the past and the hope for a brighter future in Palestine

0:37 – 1:07: The film opens with a winter afternoon in a free world, showing children who are the beneficiaries of the victory over evil forces. It contrasts their carefree lives with the darkness of the past.

1:07 – 1:38: The narrative shifts to the other side of the world, where people who fought alongside the Allies did not achieve the same freedom. It shows the destruction and loss in their homes.

1:38 – 2:13: Focus on a Jewish child who remembers the horrors of the past, including the loss of family members. The child’s memories are filled with darkness and suffering.

2:13 – 3:02: Despite the horrors, some Jews survived and were liberated. They returned to their cities with hopes of rebuilding their lives, only to face continued persecution and reminders of their Jewish identity.

3:02 – 4:37: The film describes the plight of Jewish displaced persons (DPs) who were gathered in camps for safety. It highlights the efforts to protect and care for Jewish children who had been hidden or orphaned during the war.

4:37 – 5:55: Jewish children, many without names or families, are shown being cared for by merciful voices and hands from free lands. Efforts are made to teach them to laugh and live again.

5:55 – 7:02: The older children, who remember the past, seek answers about freedom and their future. They recall their mothers’ stories of Palestine, a land of hope and freedom.

7:02 – 8:24: The film shows the children’s desire to go to Palestine, where they believe they will find freedom and a new life. It contrasts the dark past with the hopeful future in Palestine.

8:24 – 9:14: Men and women who survived the war are shown arriving in Palestine, happy to kiss the promised land despite the ongoing struggles. They face new challenges but remain hopeful.

9:14 – 10:20: The film depicts the ongoing plight of Jews in Europe, waiting for freedom and a chance to reach Palestine. It highlights the anger and determination of those in Palestine to provide a home for the homeless.

10:20 – 11:04: The narrative focuses on the forgotten children of yesterday, who are now being brought back to life with patience and love. They are learning the language, songs, and traditions of their new home.

11:04 – 12:00: The voices of Jewish children reach out to free men and women everywhere, expressing their desire to go to Palestine. Despite the battles and challenges, efforts continue to bring them to safety.

12:00 – 12:39: The film concludes with a hopeful message about the children’s future in Palestine, where they will grow up free from terror and pain, and build a home for themselves and future generations.

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