Sunday night’s Heritage Event: Lord Dubs in Conversation with Professor Shirli Gilbert

By BBUK In Heritage Days On 2 November 2022

Together with our media partners Jewish Renaissance, we hosted an excellent, engaging and thought provoking zoom ‘In conversation’ on Sunday night with renowned human rights advocate Lord Dubs being interviewed by Professor Shirli Gilbert, Professor of Modern Jewish History at UCL.

Over 100 participants took part to hear them discuss the situation facing refugees – and particularly child refugees – right now, especially those still leaving Ukraine and whether the situation is any better now for those coming to the UK than it was when Lord Dubs came to the UK in 1939. He was one of 669 Czech children saved by British stockbroker Nicholas Winton, and others, from the Nazis on the Kindertransport between March and September 1939.

He talked about how families in the UK are more accepting of refugees now, as shown by the many who have opened up their homes to Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war there.

However, he is utterly appalled by the Government’s idea of sending refugees to Rwanda and believes that the only way to help and improve the plight of refugees coming to the UK is to make sure our voices are heard on the subject, through talking to our local MP, council leaders, community leaders and synagogues.

Shirli’s final question was to ask Lord Dubs about his views on the proposed Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre and whether it should be next to Parliament. He believes wholeheartedly that this is the right place for it and very much hopes that it does go ahead.

It was a fascinating discussion, filled with warmth and humour and Lord Dubs answered many questions from the audience afterwards. For anyone who wasn’t able to attend, you can see the recording here: https://youtu.be/VcWUkFtu8kU