By KLTV Newsdesk –

Holocaust Centre North is set to host a special event aimed at uniting Jewish individuals and families in Huddersfield and surrounding areas.

The ‘Bagel and Chat’ gathering will take place on Thursday, 20th March at 5 pm at the centre’s base at the University of Huddersfield.

This event is part of Holocaust Centre North’s recently launched Communities programme, honouring the legacy of Rudi Leavor, one of 16 Holocaust survivors whose stories are featured in the centre’s permanent exhibition, Through Our Eyes.

A Vision for Community Connection

Rudi Leavor was deeply committed to fostering relationships between different faiths and communities.

In his spirit, the Holocaust Centre North’s new initiative seeks to create meaningful opportunities for connection through Holocaust education, remembrance, and the creative arts.

The ‘Bagel and Chat’ event is just one of several planned activities designed to encourage Jewish people and those of Jewish heritage to engage with their cultural identity in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Organisers hope the event will serve as a foundation for more gatherings, bringing together individuals and families from West Yorkshire who may not regularly participate in Jewish community activities.

Building a Social and Cultural Jewish Community

A key figure in the effort to establish a more proactive Jewish presence in Huddersfield is Robert, a recent arrival from London.

While he maintains a strong sense of Jewish identity, Robert is eager to connect with others who share his cultural background. Rather than centring the group around religious practice, his vision is to create a socially and culturally driven Jewish community.

Beyond strengthening local Jewish connections, Robert aims to foster intercultural engagement.

With prior experience as Chair and Trustee of Kingston Race Equality in South West London, he has already begun building bridges with local interfaith groups, including South Kirklees Interfaith & Belief Forum.

His involvement in recent events, such as a solidarity gathering at the Ahmadiyya Baitus Samad Mosque in Huddersfield, underscores his commitment to cross-community dialogue.

“Jewish people tend to join synagogues to associate with other Jews,” Robert explains. “However, I am hoping that local people might want to meet with others on a non-religious basis, to connect socially with our roots and culture.

“This could include any residents from a Jewish background, together with any non-Jewish family members and those of Jewish heritage who would like to reconnect with their culture.”

Support from Holocaust Centre North

Elanor Stannage, Head of the Communities Programme at Holocaust Centre North, emphasises the importance of this initiative in strengthening Jewish identity and community bonds in Huddersfield and beyond.

“Holocaust Centre North was founded by survivors from the Jewish community in Leeds with a passion for bringing communities together in the name of shared understanding,” she says.

“An important part of my work is to support and connect the Jewish community across the North of England.

That is why we are so keen to support Robert in bringing together potentially disengaged Jewish people in Huddersfield and the surrounding area to help them reconnect with each other and their culture.

“We have already produced the first piece of work with second and third-generation Holocaust survivors and people from the refugee community in Huddersfield, creating a zine that explores what it means to hold people in our hearts and minds and to nurture a sense of belonging.”

Courtesy of the Schatzberger Family

Alessandro Bucci, Director of Holocaust Centre North, reinforces the centre’s dedication to community engagement and cross-cultural dialogue.

“As part of our latest community engagement work, we are bringing communities together in an effort to foster understanding, dialogue, and human connection,” he states.

“Supporting the development of the Jewish community within Huddersfield and the wider district is a key part of this.

“We want to use our voice to bring people together in the present, ensuring that Holocaust education remains a force for good in today’s world and fostering greater compassion and awareness of the struggles of others.”

How to Get Involved

Anyone interested in attending the ‘Bagel and Chat’ event or seeking more information on joining the growing Jewish community in Huddersfield can contact Elanor Stannage via email at at e.stannage@hud.ac.uk or visit the Holocaust Centre North website at holocaustcentrenorth.org.uk/events/bagel-chat/.