Roundtable: Making a Difference: Critical Responses to the Refugee Crises Then and Now

The current refugee crisis has provoked mixed responses in Britain, from manifestations of hostility and xenophobia to a grassroots effort to support refugees and demonstrate solidarity. At this event, speakers will reflect upon the historical examples of the work of Bertha Bracey and Eleanor Rathbone in working and campaigning for refugees in the 1930s and 1940s, and consider parallels with the present day situation, and the problems that such campaigners may encounter in attempting to gain sanctuary for victims of war, oppression and persecution.

Speakers:
Rabbi James Baaden on the work of Bertha Bracey, a Quaker who assisted hundreds of mainly Jewish refugees to come to Britain from Germany and Austria in the 1930s.

Dr Susan Cohen on the work of Eleanor Rathbone, the ‘MP for Refugees’ who campaigned for Britain to take more refugees during the 1930s and 1940s.

Daniel Trilling, a journalist, writer and campaigner who has reported extensively upon the current refugee crisis, will reflect on grassroots responses to the current refugee crisis.

The short talks will be followed by a Q and A and discussion and a reception.