Last Thursday, the Leo Baeck Institute London, in collaboration with the Birkbeck Institute for the Study of Antisemitism (BISA), hosted a workshop titled “Jewish Refugees in the British Empire, 1933–1948” at Senate House, University of London. The event was led by renowned historian Professor Atina Grossmann from The Cooper Union, NYC.
The one-day workshop aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and scholarly exchange on the experiences of Jewish refugees in the British Empire before, during, and after the Holocaust. Scholars from various fields gathered to discuss and analyse the complex history and narratives of Jewish displacement and resettlement within the British Empire during a turbulent period marked by widespread persecution and global conflict.
Professor Grossmann, a leading expert in the history of Holocaust refugees, delivered the keynote address. Sessions throughout the day included presentations and roundtable discussions, with topics ranging from the bureaucratic challenges faced by refugees to the cultural and social integration of Jewish communities within different parts of the British Empire.
The workshop provided a platform for scholars to present their research findings, share insights, and engage in discussions about the impact and legacy of Jewish refugees’ experiences. The event also highlighted the importance of historical memory and the need to address the continuing relevance of refugees in contemporary societies.
Overall, the workshop was a significant step in advancing the understanding of Jewish refugee history and underscored the ongoing commitment of the Leo Baeck Institute London and BISA to promoting academic enquiry into the histories of antisemitism and refugee movements.
