Untold stories of Jewish refugees help mark 80 years since
the Holocaust
The story of a great rescue effort to bring thousands of Jewish children to Britian
during the Second World War will be told at a commemorative event.
Durham County Council is marking Holocaust Memorial Day with a free event at
The Empire Theatre in Consett, on Monday 27 January. The annual awareness day
remembers the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of
people killed in the Nazi Persecution, as well as the subsequent genocides in
Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur.
This year’s event will explore the extraordinary story of the Kindertransport, a
rescue effort which brought thousands of mostly Jewish refugee children to Britain
during the Second World War.
Guest speaker Brenda Dinsdale, honorary life president of Newcastle Reform
Synagogue, will examine the stories of those who travelled and sought refuge in the
North East of England. This includes the story of a home in Tynemouth which was
turned into a safe house for more than 20 girls fleeing to the UK, the history of which
was only discovered by the current owners of the home.
The oral histories of three of the girls who lived there were uncovered by the BBC
podcast, The Girls: The Holocaust Safe House, and will be shared by Brenda at the
event. The event will also feature talks from local speakers, as well as performances
from North Durham Academy and Villa Real schools.
Cllr Alan Shield, Cabinet member for equality and inclusion said: “This year marks
the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and the 30th anniversary of the
genocide in Bosnia. It’s more important than ever that we seek to learn the lessons
of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own – it’s a
steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism, and hatred are not checked
and prevented.
“This year’s theme is ‘For a Better Future’ and is an opportunity for us to commit to
making a better future by seeking to eradicate discrimination and rejecting hate
crime, or the incitement of hate crime, and prejudice across County Durham.
“We hope our event brings together our diverse communities in reflection and,
through the stories told, shows how we can make a difference when we support
each other and work together.”
Places for the event can be booked at
www.empireconsett.co.uk/galapost/holocaust-memorial-day
For further information about Holocaust Memorial Day visit
www.durham.gov.uk/HMD
