Events: War veteran Kafka celebrates one hundred years (source: ČT24)
War veteran Jiří Pavel Kafka celebrates his hundred years. Born into a Jewish family in Prague, he was rescued when he was fifteen years old by one of Nicholas Winton’s trains. He later joined the British Army. Kafka is the last surviving Czech member of the RAF, he worked in the 311th Bombardment Squadron as a flight gunner.
Jiří Pavel Kafka came with his family to celebrate his hundredth birthday at Kbela Airport. He does not consider his life too adventurous or rich. His recipe for longevity is not to think about age at all. “Pretend it doesn’t exist,” he added.
Last year, Kafka made a clip for Veterans Day. In it, he describes his participation in the war as a matter of course. He said he was never afraid, thanks to the friends he fought with. He doesn’t feel like a hero, but his surroundings perceive it differently. He deserves admiration not only because he joined the army in Britain as an eighteen-year-old, but also because of the values he upholds.
“For me, he is a person who is firm in his values, who was not afraid of things, was not afraid to take risks and did what he thought was right,” stated the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Czech Republic, Karel Řehka. “No one diverted them, no one mobilized them. They picked themselves up and went because they felt love for their country in their hearts,” added Defense Minister Jana Černochová (ODS).
Avoid wars, Kafka appeals to future generations
The service and courage of Jiří Pavel Kafka was also appreciated by the British King Charles III., who sent a letter to the veteran. It was handed to him by Matt Field, the British ambassador to the Czech Republic. However, he did not reveal its content, it is said to be intended only for the celebrants. “Colonel Kafka is a hero, but not only him. I want to thank everyone who helped defeat tyrannical regimes in World War II,” Field said, adding that Kafka is a role model for everyone today.
Jiří Pavel Kafka has a clear message for future generations: “If possible avoid wars”. He is also affected by the current conflict in Ukraine, which has been facing a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two years. Right after it started, Kafka accommodated two dozen refugees in his house.
