Britain: Holocaust bystander or upstander?

Fighting the Nazis. Controlling Mandatory Palestine. Managing its citizens and economy back home. Three simultaneous tasks which shaped Britain’s response to the Holocaust. Was it for better or worse?
In this new 3-part series, we look at some of the exemplary humanitarian relief Britain gave to Jewish victims of Nazi persecution — from Belsen to ‘The Boys’ and from the Kindertransport to Kitchener Camp. We’ll also explore moments where its multiple responsibilities created moral dilemmas — and caused Britain to turn a blind eye. Or worse.

In its actions before, during and immediately after the Holocaust, will history judge Britain to have been a bystander or an upstander? Watch the series and decide for yourself.

Thursday 15 April at 6pm – Belsen: Britain’s Finest Humanitarian Hour?

Mala Helfgott was 14 and stricken with typhus when the British Army arrived to liberate Bergen Belsen concentration camp on 15th April 1945. She has never forgotten their kindness. Ian Forsyth was serving in that regiment and likewise, has never been able to forget what he witnessed.

For the next 4 years, Belsen became the largest Jewish Displaced Persons camp in Germany. The British ran it… and ran into the dilemma that the refugees in its care vigorously opposed its policy on what was about to become the State of Israel.

Join us for this fascinating discussion with guests Mala Tribich MBE, Ian Forsyth MBE and Dr Elke Gryglewski, Director of Bergen-Belsen Memorial. Hosted by Marc Cave, director of the National Holocaust Centre and Museum.

Please note this is a virtual event.