British-educated teen among three Jewish victims of Swiss bar fire
Former JFS and Immanuel College pupil Charlotte Niddam, 15, named among dead as community mourns sisters Alicia and Diana Gunst
A British-educated Jewish teenager is among three Jewish victims confirmed dead after a devastating fire at a Swiss ski resort killed dozens of people celebrating New Year.
Charlotte Niddam, 15, a former pupil of JFS and Immanuel College in Hertfordshire, was identified by police as one of those who died in the blaze at the Le Constellation bar in the resort of the Crans-Montana. Jewish-Italian sisters Alicia and Diana Gunst, aged 15 and 14, were also among the dead.
Swiss authorities say at least 40 people were killed and more than 100 injured when fire engulfed the crowded venue in the early hours of New Year’s, with many victims trapped inside. Most of those who died were teenagers.
Charlotte, who held French, British and Israeli nationality, was initially reported missing before being formally identified as one of the final victims. Her family confirmed her death in a social media statement, writing: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister Charlotte. Details regarding the funeral arrangements will follow shortly.” Her funeral is expected to take place in Paris later this week.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief across the UK Jewish community. The United Synagogue said it was “heartbroken” by Charlotte’s death, adding: “We wish chayim aruchim, long life, to Charlotte’s parents, and to her sister who is a United Synagogue member.”
Charlotte celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Bushey United Synagogue. Its Senior Rebbetzen, Jacqueline Feldman, described her as “such a warm, lively and loved young lady”, recalling preparing Charlotte for her Bat Mitzvah and the way she spoke “in Hebrew, English and French” about gratitude, learning and effort.
“She had so many friends,” Rebbetzen Feldman said. “We are so touched to see some of them in shul over Shabbat, where we all came together to hope and pray for a miracle. The incredible outpouring of prayers from thousands of people around the world should bring comfort to the family and be an elevation for Charlotte’s special soul.”
She added: “The world will simply not be as bright and beautiful without Charlotte and her gorgeous smile, and we will all miss her dearly.”
Charlotte was also remembered by a former teacher, Keffi Zur Wyse, who taught her Modern Hebrew privately after the family moved from Israel to London. In a public tribute, she described Charlotte as “full of life” and “a dedicated, enthusiastic student with a wonderful sense of humour”, adding that she carried “a deep love for Judaism and a strong love of Israel” with “pride and quiet strength”.
Charlotte previously attended Immanuel College, which said in a statement following confirmation of her death that the news had “deeply affected” the school community, describing Charlotte as a cherished member of its school family who would be remembered with great affection by friends and teachers alike. The school said its thoughts were with her family at an “unimaginably difficult time” and confirmed it was providing sensitive pastoral support to pupils and staff as they come to terms with the loss, adding: “May Charlotte’s memory be a blessing.”
The two other Jewish victims, sisters Alicia and Diana Gunst, were from an Italian family living in Switzerland and were active members of the Jewish community in Lausanne. The Jewish Community of Lausanne said it was devastated by their deaths and would support the family “in whatever is required”.
Swiss police confirmed at the weekend that all victims of the fire have now been identified. Investigators are examining whether the venue’s acoustic ceiling material complied with safety regulations, as well as reviewing escape routes and other fire-safety measures.
Describing the aftermath of the fire, local Chabad rabbi Yitzchak Levi Pevzner said the scale of the disaster became clear almost immediately.
“We heard a huge explosion at night and immediately understood that something terrible had happened,” he said. “Within a short time, the streets were filled with people, ambulances and rescue forces. It is a terrible disaster.”
Rabbi Pevzner added: “We pray for all the victims and stand alongside their families, offering them all the support they need during these difficult times.”
As Switzerland prepares for a national day of mourning, Jewish communities in the UK and across Europe are grappling with the loss of three young lives – and with a tragedy that has left families, schools and synagogues united in grief.
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