Holocaust survivors tell their stories for all to read

The life stories of Holocaust survivors and refugees from Nazi persecution can now be read by visitors to Bury libraries thanks to a new set of books.

The My Voice project documents the entire life stories of each survivor from before, during and after the Second World War. The books are solely written in the words of survivors from across Manchester and the North West so that future generations can always hear their voice.

Established by The Fed, who are based in Prestwich, the My Voice project has great significance in several key aspects:

Authentic Voices: The project records the actual words spoken by survivors, ensuring their stories are told in their own voices.

Empowerment and Healing: The project helps survivors overcome psychological obstacles and find a sense of purpose and validation by providing a safe space for them to share their experiences.

Educational Integration: The project has been embedded in various educational settings, including universities and schools, making it a valuable resource for teaching history and promoting understanding.

Legacy and Preservation: The life story books serve as a lasting legacy, preserving the experiences of survivors for future generations and honouring their resilience and contributions.

Raphi Bloom, director of fundraising, marketing and communications at The Fed: “The Fed is proud to play a significant role in caring for many of Bury’s residents. It is therefore immensely fitting that these critically important My Voice whole life stories of Holocaust survivors who settled and rebuilt their lives in Bury, and other parts of Greater Manchester and the North West, now have a home in libraries throughout our borough – a place to which many of them contributed so much.

“Now, more than ever, it is crucial that the history and lessons of the Holocaust - and our Survivor Storytellers’ messages of hope, resilience, kindness and tolerance - are shared widely. Having the My Voice collection available to Bury residents through the local library network plays a very important part in helping us achieve this.”

The books were presented to Bury Libraries at a special event held at Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre.

The event heard first-hand testimonies from Holocaust survivors Ike Alterman and Helen Stein. Helen told of her parent's decision to send their three children out of France to Switzerland under false identities, while Ike, who was awarded the Freedom of Bury in 2022, told of his ordeal in concentration camps including Auschwitz-Birkenau and of surviving multiple death marches. Ike also related how he was one of "The Boys" who were brought initially to Windermere and his subsequent new life in Manchester.

The event also heard from Juliette Pearce, the My Voice Project manager, and Raphi Bloom.

The collection of books can now be borrowed from any of Bury's libraries.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “It is essential that we never forget the Holocaust, one of the darkest chapters in human history, and that future generations learn from it. What better way than to read the words of the survivors themselves, as they share their stories and experiences with us, giving us an extraordinary insight into what they endured?

“Their stories are our stories, especially in our borough which has a sizeable and long-established Jewish community. It was a pleasure to receive these books from The Fed, and I’m sure library visitors will enjoy reading them."