Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis joined more than 230 people on a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau organised by the United Hebrew Congregation in Leeds. He told participants in the Unity is Strength trip that "heartbreaking visits to concentration camps" served an important educational and memorial purpose.
The mission was given added poignancy by the involvement of Auschwitz survivor Arek Hersh. Etz Chaim Synagogue president Malcolm Taylor said that "davening minchah as we waited at the entrance gate and hearing Mr Hersh explain how he survived the selection [for death] made for an unparalleled experience".
For Dan Kaufman, the trip was "truly inspirational, enhanced by the presence of Arek Hersh and the Chief Rabbi.
"To hear my daughter deliver a reading about the experiences of a 15-year-old girl at Auschwitz-Birkenau was something I shall never forget."
Although the visit was primarily for Leeds Jews, there were representatives from other faith groups, among them Rev Chris Swift, head of chaplaincy services at Leeds Teaching Hospital. He felt it highlighted the importance of honouring people of all faiths and beliefs.
During a short memorial service, Rabbi Mirvis observed that "such a visit is not an end unto itself, rather an opportunity to feel encouraged and inspired to deepen our Jewish awareness".
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