Page 12 - Kol Bogrei Habonim - June 13

visit. The centre had already been operating for Shalom. I now go to the synagogue more
two years and concentrated mainly on
commemorating and educating people about
what happened to six million Jews in Europe
under Nazi occupation. There was a wonderfully
and appropriately constructed Memorial Hall
with an auditorium and library. Below ground
was a museum, displaying all the horrors of the
Holocaust, historically and geographically.
Outside were an ornate lake and the white rose
memorial gardens. I was impressed.
I came back the following week, clutching a 41-
page manuscript my father had started compiling
in 1941. In it were details of what had happened
to us till 1947. I showed it to Stephen Smith, a
member of the Smith family, a Christian family,
who founded Beth Shalom. Their story goes
back some 20 years ago when they were on a
visit to Israel they ventured into Yad Vashem.
What they saw moved them tremendously. Back
in Britain they wanted to learn more about the
Holocaust. When they discovered that there was
no Holocaust centre in Britain, where they might
get further, more in depth information, they built
their own. This may sound very simplistic, but
the fervour, the determination and skill with
which they set about their task begs belief. As
conscientious members of society and as
Christians, they felt they had to address the
issues of the Holocaust in a practical way,
through commemoration and education.
When Stephen read my father’s manuscript he
was moved and impressed and asked me to get
more involved with the centre. He didn’t have to
ask me twice. I may have been in denial but
subconsciously I was battling with demons and
phobias I was trying to suppress. Here was an
opportunity for me to release those demons - by
telling my story. I was also able to reconnect
with the Nottingham Hebrew Congregation
which has, to some extent, adopted Beth
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frequently and I subscribe annually. I have
rediscovered faith.
Approximately 200 students and adults visit the
centre every day. The place is now so much in
demand; schools have to book a year in advance.
A new state-of-the-arts exhibition - The Journey
- was opened two years ago. It caters for primary
children, in a compassionate, engaging and
appropriate way which I didn’t think was
possible. The main feature for visitors is to listen
to a Holocaust survivor tell his/her story.
Because I don’t live far away, I probably speak
at Beth Shalom more often than other survivors.
I speak for approximately one and a half hours,
with questions. At issue are also modern day
challenges such as discrimination, racism, anti-
Semitism and genocide. An off shoot of The
Holocaust Centre is the Aegis Trust - a very
successful and respected genocide prevention
and accreditation centre which has been active
for the last ten years.
Needless to say, I’m very much in love with
Beth Shalom. Speaking there is a very engaging
and cathartic experience. Once I would keep
quiet about my Judaism and my WW2 history.
Now you can’t get me to shut up! I am
sometimes asked to show dignitaries around the
centre - especially when they have also asked to
meet a Holocaust survivor! Recently I met and
talked with Liza Minnelli, Maureen Lipman and
the lovely Linda Lusardi.
A few days ago, as I was leaving the centre, I
walked through the White Rose Garden and
noticed a new plaque. It read: “To the wonderful
Smith family, in gratitude to Beth Shalom, for
everything they have done and will do in the
future for all humanity. Frank and Beri Harris.”
Well said, Frank and Beri, I go along with that.