Ninety people attended a book launch in London on Monday 14 July for three new Fed My Voice life story books, bringing the total number of books published to 48, with 12 more in production.
Guests heard extracts from the life story books of Holocaust survivors Rachel Levy, Kurt Marx and Jacques Weisser, who were introduced by My Voice London Lead Lauren Libbert, who also warmly thanked the project’s dedicated volunteers.
Referring to the books, Lauren said:
“Each of these books tells a remarkable story from the Holocaust and are going to form a key part of the expanding My Voice Collection, inspiring and educating the next generation.”
Family members, standing alongside each of the survivors, read poignant extracts detailing the rise of antisemitism and its devastating impact on their lives and the lives of their families, with vivid descriptions of their experiences of Nazi persecution and of their often-complex means of avoiding death.
The methodology which underpins the project’s approach to taking oral testimony is to enable each survivor to tell their whole life story in their own words, ensuring that future generations can hear the voices of the survivors for years to come.
Rachel was born in Czechoslovakia, Kurt was born in Germany and Jacques was born in Belgium. Their books are:
- Rachel Levy – I still dream in Yiddish
- Kurt Marx – The boy from Cologne
- Jacques Weisser – Hidden Pieces
Also speaking at the event was Raphi Bloom, The Fed’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, who detailed the history of the My Voice project, outlined its current and future plans alongside its collaborative work with other organisations to ensure the unique lessons and stories of the books are integrated into the Holocaust curriculum across the UK.
He reminded everyone that:
“The My Voice Project punches well above its weight. Yad Vashem have called it globally unique, and it has the potential to rewrite Holocaust education in this country. Its impact is unique, significant and proven.”
He added:
“The Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said all those involved in My Voice have done a great service to humanity – and that the books should be in every school in the country.”
Juliette Pearce, the My Voice Project Manager, said:“These stories are not just a victory over the silence, they are a beacon of hope for future generations.”
She also announced the launch of pilot lesson plans for schools based on the books, a short film series featuring survivor storytellers, and a forthcoming travelling exhibition to further extend the project’s reach.
Closing the event, Raphi Bloom reaffirmed the project’s commitment to education and remembrance:
“The promise we made to our survivors – that their stories will be heard – is a promise we will keep. Not just for them, but for all of us.”
The event was graciously hosted by Nightingale Hammerson in London.
The My Voice Project is a stand-alone project of The Fed, Manchester’s leading social care charity, and is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and private donors. Two years ago, the My Voice Project expanded to London in partnership with Yad Vashem UK.
Buy The Books
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For e-book format search’My Voice; on Kindle.
