UK
Kindertransport refugee who escaped the Nazis dies aged 100
Henry Wuga became a renowned chef in the UK
March 18, 2024 09:59
Henry Wuga became a renowned chef in the UK
March 18, 2024 09:59Tributes have flooded in after the death of Kindertransport refugee Henry Wuga, who has died aged 100.
Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Trust, said: "We are heartbroken at the passing of Henry Wuga MBE.
"Henry was a gentleman: charming, dapper and above all, a force for good.
"The work that he, and his late wife Ingrid did, in sharing their testimonies, made an immense impact on thousands of people across Scotland.
"Thank you for everything Henry. We will miss you."
Wuga, who celebrated his 100th birthday in February, was also a well-known chef.
Forced to leave school at the age of 14 following the implementation of the Nuremberg racial laws, on the advice of his mother he “learnt a trade" and began an apprenticeship as a junior chef in a kosher hotel in Baden-Baden.
After six months of a 12-month apprenticeship, he decided to go home on 8 November, 1938 – the day before the pogrom that became known as Kristallnacht.
He escaped Germany in May 1939 via the Kindertransport to Scotland, where he was subsequently arrested and interned for 10 months on the Isle of Man for “corresponding with the enemy”, because he had been sending letters to his mother via uncles in Paris and Brussels – a serious offence in wartime.
He was a passionate educator and devoted years of his life educating people about the Holocaust.
The Holocaust Memorial Trust said he had made an immense impact by sharing his testimony.
First Minister Humza Yousaf paid tribute to Wuga.
He said: "I'm devastated to hear of Henry's passing. He worked over decades to remind us of the horrors of the Holocaust, which must never be forgotten.
"My thoughts with Henry's family, friends & the many who loved him."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said Wuga was "warm, charming and compassionate. We owe it to his generation to share their stories and always strive for peace."
Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Henry was an extraordinary human being. While the world is a poorer place for his passing, there is no doubt that his life made it better.
"Alongside his beloved wife, Ingrid, Henry educated thousands about the horrors of the Holocaust and the lessons from it that we must never forget.
"With quiet dignity, he reminded us of the power of love and humanity. He was also full of stories and fun."