We Were There Too (WWTT), the online portal which records and commemorates the contribution of British Jewry during the First World War has reported a successful first six months for its expanding North West project.
At a presentation at Menorah Synagogue, North West project manager, Rodney Ross announced that by the beginning of July, the team had visited a number of schools and spoken to over 450 young people. A further 13 events in the region nearly doubled that audience figure.
“We’ve made tremendous progress and we’ve really got the community thinking about possible stories within their own families and those of their circle of friends,” said Rodney. “Importantly we’ve uncovered some 80 stories and we know that there are many more out there to be discovered.”
The main project partner is The Jewish Lad’s and Girls’ Brigade along with AJEX The Jewish Military Association UK. Colonel Martin Newman, AJEX vice-president responsible for public relations, added: “AJEX is pleased to support We Were There Too. The project is important in so many ways in educating our own Jewish community and the wider public about the contribution made by Jews during two world wars and subsequent conflicts. With a noticeable increase in antisemitism this helps us dispel any distractions that Jews did not serve. In reality they served in disproportionately high numbers, also reflected in casualties and gallantry awards.”
Rodney concluded by reaching out to local community organisations: “We want to visit groups throughout the North West over the coming months to tell this fascinating story. If your group, school or club would like a visit, I would be delighted to hear from you. People can also send in their stories, photos and artifacts for recording. All material will be returned.”
For more information on visits by the WWTT, call 0161 767 8890 or visit Jewsfww.uk.