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 13 May at 6pm – Britain’s Moral Dilemmas 1938-1948

In this final look at Britain’s relationship to the Holocaust, we explore the dilemmas it faced at home and overseas. From the news of the Kristallnacht pogrom in 1938 to its handling of immigration after the war, Britain faced soul-searching conflicts of interest which affect politics to this day.

Please note this is a virtual event.