COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE KRISTALLNACHT AT BELSIZE SQUARE SYNAGOGUE
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) recently commemorated the anniversary of the Kristallnacht at Belsize Square Synagogue, London. The event was attended by members, trustees, and various dignitaries. The ceremony which took place on Thursday 7th November 2019 was officiated by Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg. Following a welcome by AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman, Kindertransportee Eli Abt gave an account of his memories of Kristallnacht, his trip on the Kindertransport and life in Britain.
Dr Clare Weissenberg who heads the Kitchener Descendants Group gave some insight into what life was like for the men coming over to the UK and how they dealt with leaving their families and starting a new life in a foreign company. Dr Toby Simpson, Director of the Wiener Holocaust Library shared that they hold a large number of physical and online documents from this period depicting some very strong views of that time.
AJR members, and Israeli Ambassador, Mark Regev took part in the candle lighting, which was followed by Dr Paul Heller’s beautiful recital of the memorial prayer and Kaddish.
Following the formalities, everyone enjoyed a small reception.
Thanks to Adam Soller Photography for taking the pictures at the event.