The Holocaust Educational Trust is delighted at the news of Ben Helfgott’s knighthood.
The Trust is delighted that our dear friend, Ben Helfgott has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018.
Ben has been a true champion of Holocaust education and remembrance, and until recently served on HET’s Board of Trustees.
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:
“This is marvellous news and so deserved.
Soon after he was liberated from the concentration camps, Ben knew that the story of what happened to him, his family and the 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis must be told. He helped shape Holocaust education in the UK, campaigned for a memorial in London and for a national day to remember the Holocaust.
When he settled in the UK, he took it upon himself to help others – setting up the ’45 Aid Society to support Holocaust survivors.
His forthright approach to never forgetting the Holocaust has gained him admiration from Prime Ministers, Royalty and even the England Football Squad.
Within a matter of years of liberation, Ben went from surviving the Holocaust to becoming a champion weightlifter. Incredible. The determination, dedication and unparalleled perseverance that Ben exudes, inspires us all. He is a true champion.
Ben is a Holocaust survivor, a sporting legend, a husband, father and grandfather. A founding Trustee of the Holocaust Educational Trust, Ben is a leader, an inspiration and our hero. He is an extraordinary man.
Mazel Tov, Sir Ben!”