Earlier this week we presented Ruth Vecht with her incredible Fed My Voice book, ‘A Lesson in Humanity’. Surrounded by family and friends and her younger sister Eva, Danish-born Ruth, 90, spoke about the wonderful Danes who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Jews when the Nazis tightened their grip on Denmark in 1943, offering safety and refuge in their summer houses and homes so they wouldn’t be deported. Remarkably, of the 8,000 Jews in Denmark in 1943, only around 400 to 500 were deported, and all but 51 survived. “Humanity could learn a great deal from the Danes,” said Ruth last night. With the help of the Danish community, Ruth’s family crossed over to Sweden on Yom Kippur and remained there until the war ended. After receiving her book, Ruth spoke about the day she returned to Denmark, the 28th May 1945, as, “the happiest day of my life. I learned that you could go anywhere in the world, have nothing and still be a good Jew. And I knew then I was going to have lots of children and tell them what I knew.” Ruth was true to her word. She came over to the UK as an au pair when she was 19, married Aron Vecht and they went on to have six children, 24 grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren. Ruth’s Fed My Voice book, ‘A Lesson in Humanity’ is the 57th book in the My Voice collection and takes on even greater significance in this time of growing antisemitism. As Lauren Libbert, My Voice’s London Project Lead, said at the presentation: “It stands as a beacon of hope and shows how a nation and its citizens can lead with humanity, courage and dignity, and push against the tide.” Ruth’s book is available to buy here: myvoice.org.uk/product/ruth-… @yadvashemUK @HeritageFundNOR @HeritageFundUK @denmarkinuk

𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐂'𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 – 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 Fed My Voice Director Raphi Bloom delivered a powerful presentation on the life of Holocaust survivor Ike Alterman BEM to Wigan Athletic’s Academy – first speaking to the U15/16 squads, then the U13/14 groups – as part of the My Voice Guardian programme. The players heard Ike’s extraordinary journey – from a childhood shattered by the Holocaust, through ghettos, concentration and death camps, to the resilience that helped him rebuild his life with dignity and purpose. They listened with maturity and respect – recognising they were hearing a story that demands empathy, reflection and responsibility. Raphi stressed that Ike’s testimony is a vital educational tool – helping young people understand the consequences of unchecked hatred, discrimination and dehumanisation. Holocaust education, he explained, is not just about the past – it equips the next generation to recognise prejudice, challenge harmful narratives and protect the dignity of all people. He highlighted values the players can live out daily – tolerance, hope, kindness and resilience – on the pitch, in school and in their communities. A key message was the responsibility to challenge intolerance wherever it appears. Prejudice often begins subtly – jokes, words, comments, exclusion – and silence allows it to grow. Raphi urged the players to challenge it in every space, choosing courage over comfort. He also addressed the dangers of Holocaust denial and inversion – where facts are distorted or twisted. By hearing Ike’s story, the players have now listened to a survivor’s testimony. They have become witnesses to a witness – carrying Ike’s story forward and standing up to denial, distortion and hatred whenever they encounter it. Feedback after the sessions showed the deep impact of the presentation – the players left with stronger knowledge of the Holocaust and a renewed commitment to stand up to prejudice. If you would like to have Ike's presentation delivered at your school, club or business contact [email protected] @LaticsOfficial @HeritageFundUK @JewishMCR @EFL @EFL_Comms @FED_Manchester

Fed My Voice Director Raphi Bloom had the privilege of speaking at @LancashireCC Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, sharing the extraordinary My Voice life story of Holocaust Survivor Ike Alterman BEM - a man whose courage, resilience and humanity continue to guide us toward a better world. Telling Ike’s story is never easy, but it is always necessary. His voice lives on in every reminder to stand against hatred, prejudice and indifference. The ceremony was made even more powerful by the moving reflections of former British soldier Sergeant Richard Brock, aged 101, who was present at Bergen‑Belsen shortly after it was liberated. We also heard from Council Leader Stephen Atkinson who spoke with clarity and conviction about our shared responsibility to challenge hatred wherever it appears and the ongoing importance of Holocaust education. Rabbi Danny Bergson shared music and prayers and the candle lighting was led with dignity by the Lord Lieutenant. Also present was the @JewishMCR CEO Marc Levy. @HeritageFundUK @HeritageFundNOR @FED_Manchester #HolocaustMemorialDay