Tue 10 Mar 2015
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm
To launch a new resource on the subject of rescue from The Wiener Library, Holocaust survivor John Dobai will speak about how he narrowly escaped deportation to Auschwitz in 1944 under the protection of the Swedish rescuer Raoul Wallenberg. John was only nine when the Nazis began mass deportations of Jews from Hungary. He continues to tell the story of what he witnessed to this day, visiting sixth forms across the country. Click here to book a place for yourself or a group.
This event marks the launch of a resource developed by The Wiener Library to accompany its travelling exhibition: ‘Rescues of the Holocaust: Remembering Raoul Wallenberg and Lives Saved’. The resource consists of a booklet and PowerPoint presentation complementing the exhibition, including a selection of resources based on primary source material from the Library’s collection, a subject-specific bibliography and timeline, and points for discussion and further activities. The travelling exhibition is freely available to hire from the Library and has already toured venues including: the Care Quality Commission, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and the Wimbledon and District Reform Synagogue.
The Library hopes to facilitate teaching about rescue efforts during the Holocaust, in order to help to develop wider understanding of how and why a minority bravely resolved to rescue others despite the great risks involved. Rescue can teach a great deal about diversity, as rescuers came from many different walks of life. The ‘Rescues of the Holocaust’ travelling exhibition and new accompanying resource feature and explore several remarkable stories of notable rescuers, including: Raoul Wallenberg, Ida and Louise Cook, Irena Sendler, Bertha Bracey and Wilfrid Israel.
The launch event is open to the public, and will be of interest in particular to young people, students, teachers and educators who may wish to make use of the resource. Please note, however, that John requests that any young people attending should be aged 16 and over. This follows John’s own judgement about the best approach to giving his testimony. The talk will begin at 6.30pm and be followed by an informal reception and refreshments.
The ‘Rescues of the Holocaust’ resource, exhibition and launch event have all been made possible through the generous support of the Rivers Charitable Foundation.
Admission is free, but booking is essential as space is limited. Refreshments will be served.
