HMC hosts Association of Jewish Refugees

On Tuesday 4 February Harris Manchester College hosted the Association of Jewish Refugees for an event that marked the planting of a cherry tree three years ago in honour of the Association’s 80th anniversary, one of 80 planted around the country. The tree commemorates the sanctuary that Jewish academics fleeing Nazi Germany found at the University of Oxford and was generously donated by Dr Wendy Fidler MBE (Associate Member of the Senior Common Room) and Mr Brian Fidler (Supernumerary Fellow).

The visit began with a trip to neighbouring New College for a fascinating exhibition of Jewish books and manuscripts that was kindly prepared by the College Library.

Representatives from the Association then returned to Harris Manchester, where the Association’s Chief Executive, Michael Newman, delivered a short address in front of the tree that emphasised the contribution of Jewish refugees to the University of Oxford and academic life – and the special bond with our College, which welcomed Professor Fritz Heinemann, a philosopher from Frankfurt, in 1939.

To conclude the day, high tea in the Arlosh Hall provided a further opportunity for reflection and the exchange of personal memories and stories.