A message of hope in the wake of tragedy: Strengthening our communities after the Manchester Synagogue attack
Solidarity and building unbreakable bonds across our communities is the message being sent out across Manchester as the city reflects on the legacy of devastating terror attack.
In many ways the people of Crumpsall are still coming to terms with the events of October 2, events that tragically cost the lives of two worshippers.
But now, Manchester City Council, working in partnership with Salford City Council, Bury Council and The Federation of Jewish Services (The Fed) will help launch a new free educational initiative, focused on sharing the stories and legacy of Jewish Mancunians.
Sanctuary Through Story: Inspiring Unity After Hate will tell the stories of the individuals who survived the Holocaust, turning what was one of the darkest periods in human history into a lesson, shared across generations, faiths and communities.
Shared across educational settings, from primary schools to further education it is hoped this testimony will teach new generations about the history and impact of antisemitism.
Through the My Voice Holocaust Survivor storytellers, young people will be able to learn about the strength found through values such as resilience, kindness, dignity, identity and moral courage. Core values that will help them explore topics such as:
- Antisemitism and prejudice
- Diversity and mutual respect
- Empathy, allyship and responsible citizenship
- Moral choices and rejecting hate
- Understanding the impact of intolerance on individuals and communities
All of the educational institutions which participate in this project will receive a full age-tailored PSHE resource pack, electronic My Voice life-story books, access to a city-wide travelling exhibition placed in schools, civic centres and worship and community hubs,
On Monday, 19 January, a launch event will take place at Manchester Central Library where people will be able to learn about these stories first-hand and discover why they are just as relevant today as they were at the end of the Second World War.
The event will begin at 9.30, and all are welcome to attend.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Now more than ever it is vital that as a city, we city close ranks against those who would seek to divide us. I am deeply proud that the values of tolerance and acceptance run deep amongst Mancunians, and that no matter what a person’s race, ethnicity, religion or background they are welcome in our city.
“The horrific antisemitic attack in our city in October reminds us that the lessons of the past cannot be forgotten which is why we are proud to support the launch of this new initiative, sharing the messages of the Holocaust with the next generation and ensuring that the people who survived its horrors are not forgotten.”
Raphi Bloom, Director, The Fed’s My Voice Project, said: “After the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue, our classrooms must be places where respect is learned and lived. The PSHE Unity After Hate project takes the lived experiences of Manchester’s Holocaust Survivor Storytellers and turns them into practical lessons in empathy, critical thinking and moral courage.
“For wider society, it’s an investment in safer, kinder neighbourhoods; for the Survivors, it honours their messages that ‘hate is a disease’ begins with young people who refuse prejudice in any form. By offering this resource free to schools and supporting teachers to use it well, The Fed’s My Voice Project is helping pupils recognise difference as a strength and step up as allies for one another.”
Case Studies:
“I came to this country as a Jewish refugee and an immigrant, and I was welcomed with open arms. I was given the opportunity by people to rebuild my life. I became a British citizen and contributed to making Manchester the great city it is. After surviving the horrors of the Holocaust I never thought I would be shown such kindness and tolerance again, but I found it here, in Great Britain. I know better than anyone what the hatred of other religions and minorities leads to. Hate is a disease which must be stamped out. And we must ensure we are kind, tolerant and welcoming to everyone who lives in our great country.”
Ike Alterman BEM, death camp survivor and retired jeweller
“My real parents died having had no other children. Neither of them reached 30. They were simply robbed of their life. That was all the life they were allowed. All that’s left is me, and I’ve always had this feeling that I’ve got to live everything; I have to experience it, I have to think it, I have to see it, I have to hear it. I’ve lived every minute of my life. I have had to, because my parents never could, and no other children that they could make ever could, so everything is on me.”
Anne Super, hidden child and retired optician
