Bertha Leverton, founder of the Reunion of Kindertransport, made aliyah this week.

The 86-year-old, who fled to Britain from Nazi persecution when she was a teenager, has moved to Israel to be nearer her family who live there.

In 1988, Ms Leverton established the Reunion of Kindertransport — a regular gathering of the evacuees — and has dedicated much of her life to collecting their stories. Four years ago she was awarded an MBE for her services to the Jewish community.

She tells People: “It’s not too late to move now, but I couldn’t have waited much longer.

“I have great memories of the reunions. They have done as much for me as I have for the kinder.” She adds: “It’s a big move but I’m not the nervous type. I have a sister, nieces and other family in Israel. I’m sorry to leave my other daughter in England but she will visit.”

Ms Leverton, a former resident of Jewish Care’s Wohl Lodge in north London, hopes to become involved with the kinder committee in Jerusalem. She has 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.