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 29 April at 6pm – British Christian Responses to the Holocaust

British Christian army chaplains performed a sensitive and vital role in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen (and other Nazi camps), burying the dead and ministering to the survivors. But what Church attitudes preceded this? And what were the Church’s theological and practical responses to the Holocaust in the years after World War II?

Guests tbc. Hosted by Rob Thompson, National Holocaust Centre and Museum Trustee,  Visiting Fellow at the Parkes Institute, and former Senior Programme Manager for the Council of Christians and Jews.

Please note this is a virtual event.