Manchester students mobilised against antisemitism as fundraiser backs education drive
Young people trained to challenge hatred as major fundraiser strengthens Anne Frank Trust’s anti-prejudice work
Around 90 young people from schools across the UK gathered in Manchester last month for a national conference aimed at tackling antisemitism and wider prejudice, as a major fundraising boost strengthened efforts to expand that work across the North West.
The event, organised by the Anne Frank Trust UK, brought together students from 18 secondary schools who have been trained as “peer educators”, equipping them to challenge discrimination within their own schools and communities.
Held in central Manchester, the conference carried particular significance in a city still feeling the impact of the Yom Kippur attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, with organisers stressing the importance of empowering young people locally to respond to rising hatred.
A central moment of the day came from Holocaust survivor Anne Super, who addressed students directly. Reflecting on the experience, she said: “After everything I’ve been through, my faith in humanity is damaged, and today has helped repair this.”
Students took part in a series of expert-led workshops combining Holocaust education with creative and leadership training, including sessions on survivor testimony, storytelling and public speaking designed to build confidence in challenging prejudice.
The conference drew strong civic and communal support. Kate Green, Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Crime and Policing, met with students and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to confronting antisemitism and discrimination.
She said: “The Anne Frank Trust Youth Conference offers an incredible display of strength in the face of injustice and hate. It embodies a hopeful step towards our collective mission to stand together to build a world free from prejudice.
“It is intolerable that our Jewish friends and neighbours in Greater Manchester live and practise their faith in fear. We will always stand up for kindness and uphold a fierce intolerance for hate of any kind.”
Representatives from Jewish communal organisations and local civic leaders also attended, highlighting broad backing from youth-led efforts to challenge antisemitism.
One participant, Amelia from Sandbach High School, said: “I think that what the Anne Frank Trust does is so important because we need to remember what happened and never forget… It’s really important we learn how to speak up and use our voices to make a difference.”
The Trust’s work recently received a significant funding boost following a major Manchester fundraiser.
More than £1 million was raised at the Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell MJ Ball, held at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate in March, with funds set to support youth programmes across the region – including the Trust’s schools initiatives tackling antisemitism and all forms of prejudice.
The Trust was one of the beneficiaries of the event for the third consecutive year, with organisers paying tribute to Dr Michael Josephson’s longstanding support for disadvantaged young people.
Funds raised will help expand programmes that train students as peer educators, equipping them with the skills and confidence to challenge antisemitism, discrimination and hate in their everyday lives, while also supporting smaller local youth charities.
Dan Green, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “We were honoured to be a beneficiary of the MJ Ball for the third year running, and especially be part of this farewell event celebrating Michael’s extraordinary work. The funds raised will support our work training young people as Peer Educators and equipping them with the confidence and critical thinking skills to challenge prejudice, antisemitism and discrimination in their everyday lives.
“At a time when divisions are growing, this work has never been more important, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who made the evening possible.”
The day concluded with the students presenting personal reflections and responses to prejudice, with organisers praising the depth, creativity and confidence shown.
Founded in 1991, the Anne Frank Trust uses the story of Anne Frank to educate young people about the Holocaust and challenge modern forms of discrimination – work organisers say is increasingly vital as communities confront rising levels of hate.
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