The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
On Tuesday 5 November 2019 the Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester helped to organise a VIP reception to launch an exhibition at Broughton Hub in Salford.
The exhibition "Children of the Holocaust" shows stories about some of the children who lived through the dark times of the Holocaust. In total one and a half million Jewish children were murdered by the Nazis in the Holocaust. The exhibition was brought to Salford by Russell Bowles, UK Co-ordinator for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem / Yad Vashem travelling exhibitions
Co-Chair Cllr Heather Fletcher was critical to this exhibition, since her role made it much easier to organise the space required at the Broughton Hub which is operated by Salford Council. She also acted as the master of ceremonies.
The exhibition was formally opened by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Cllr Charlie McIntyre, who is also the Councillor for Broughton where the launch took place. The strong support of the City of Salford was also demonstrated by the attendance of Deputy City Mayor Cllr John Merry.
Russell Bowles informed the attendees that there were 42,000 concentration camps and also 6 death camps in Europe during the Holocaust where many young children were sent to their early deaths.
However, on the positive side there were some courageous initiatives like the Kindertransport operation which saved 10,000 children from certain death. There were also many brave individuals throughout Europe who saved Jewish children in spite of the fact that they risked their own lives by hiding them from the Nazis. He further stated that children who lived during this time often cherished their dolls and toys and relied on them as emotional support.
Mitchell Mullen, Salford Youth Mayor, highlighted the very commendable action carried out by Sir Nicholas Winton who saved the lives of 669 Jewish children from Europe by bringing them to the UK.
Rabbi Warren Elf, director of Faith Network for Manchester, spoke movingly about the Interfaith trip he led to Auschwitz in March. He also commented on how there were still too many Holocaust deniers around and that exhibitions like this one were vital in educating as many people as possible about the horrors of the Holocaust.
The group photo below shows many of the speakers and VIP guests.
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The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish Communities of Greater Manchester