On 3rd August historian and researcher for the House of Life heritage project, Molly Maslen explores the Jewish fatalities during the Second Boer War in South Africa through the two memorial boards which are in Willesden Jewish Cemetery and contain the names of 116 Jews. Who were they? What did Jewish leaders want to say by putting their ultimate sacrifice into the public eye on a roll of honour while anti-immigrant feelings raged against the community back home? Following her research into newspapers, journal articles and public records, Molly presents her personal assessment of an episode when patriotism and prejudice collided and asks whether the time is right to lift the veil on the memorials at last. This talk is organised jointly by Milim and the Leeds branch of the Jewish Historical Society of England.
By popular request, Milim will be hosting a second Marching on Together-Leeds United event on 10th August. Back by popular demand as a result of the success of its first event in June, the event will be a celebration of promotion along with a serious look at what it takes to stay in the Premier League through panel and audience discussion.
On 17th August, we will be zooming in on the Judaica collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts. Our guide will be Simona Di Nepi who is responsible for building and displaying the collection of Jewish art. Simona is a museum curator and writer who has studied and worked in London and Tel Aviv for 25 years. She has filled curatorial roles at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Academy as well as Beit Hatfutsot. She is currently writing a comprehensive history of Judaica at the MFA Boston.
Last but not least, on 24th August Lance Forman, owner of H Forman and Son and former Brexit MEP will tell the story of his long-standing salmon smoking business. In 1905 Lance Forman’s great-grandfather, Aaron ‘Harry’ Forman set up the business with his son, Louis, in London’s East End. A Russian émigré with a family to provide for, Harry saw potential in the curing of fresh Scottish salmon, the king of fish. Following a lengthy dispute, the site of the business was relocated in 2007 from the area which is now the London Olympic Park through a compulsory purchase order involving over 200 companies.
All the events listed above are free to view although people may wish to make a donation through the website.