Chelsea teams up with Jewish News for Holocaust education fundraiser

Jewish News has teamed up with Chelsea Football Club to hold a fundraising dinner featuring untold stories of strength and survival from the horror of the Holocaust.

Light from the Dark will take place at the club’s Stamford Bridge stadium on 24 January and all proceeds will go to the Imperial War Museum’s (IWM) project to redevelop its Second World War and Holocaust Galleries.

Hosted by award-winning comedian and writer David Baddiel, the evening will feature inspiring stories from Holocaust survivors, including renowned journalist Hella Pick.

There will also be testimony from Chelsea FC chairman Bruce Buck, IWM director general Diane Lees, Rabbi Nicky Liss, Chelsea FC first team players and many more special guests still to be announced.

Musical entertainment will include a performance of a special piece by composer Neumeyer, who died in Thereseienstadt in 1944.

There will also be the opportunity to bid on unique items in a live auction, including the chance to fly in an iconic T9 Spitfire, travel with the Chelsea team to a European away match, or even the chance to be a Premier League chairman for the day.

Chelsea said: “All funds raised from the event will go towards the construction of IWMs new gallery and with the support of Jewish News, we are confident the evening will be a great success.”

Meanwhile, the club, which is fourth in the Premiership, has promised to take the strongest possible action against any supporters found to have sung antisemitic chants during its game last week in Budapest. Minutes into a Europa League clash with Vidi in Budapest’s Groupama Arena, some Chelsea fans were heard singing a derogatory chant about Tottenham supporters, featuring antisemitic language.

Chelsea attacked the “brainpower” of those fans who “shamed the club” at the match.

• More info here: Chelseafc.com/iwmfundraiser