Ex-BBC producer to mark VE Day 80th anniversary

Ex-BBC producer to mark VE Day 80th anniversary

23 April 2025

KILLYLEAGH Library will host a powerful talk by a former BBC producer, historian and author to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Noel Russell will present the talk entitled ‘The Saved and the Spurned: Northern Ireland, Vienna and the Holocaust’ on Friday, May 9, between 1-2pm.

The talk is part of a cross-community programme organised by Killyleagh Youth and Community Association, and will explore the legacy of the Holocaust and Northern Ireland’s connection to this trapic period in history.

Ahead of his talk, Mr Russell highlighted the role of the Northern Ireland government in helping Jews escape Europe before the start of the Second World War.

“In August 1938, several hundred Jews in Nazi-occupied Vienna tried to escape using a Stormont scheme aimed at tackling chronic local unemployment,” Mr Russell said.

“It offered financial support to employers who could create jobs. A small number were allowed in and opened factories, but the majority were rejected.

“More than 125 of these Jewish men, women and children were murdered in the Holocaust.”

Mr Russell said the lecture would describe what happened to those who came and those who could not come, and how local activists saved several refugees.

“Several hundred people were employed for decades in a Shrigley leather factory opened by Jewish exiles under the scheme, and hundreds of people were similarly employed in a Newtownards firm opened by an Austrian Jewish businessman, Alfred Neumann, who has been described as our own Oskar Schindler,” he explained.

“County Down was at the heart of this project, which saved the lives of scores of Jews persecuted in Vienna.”

The event will take place in the newly refurbished Killyleagh Library, which reopened in October 2024 following major renovation works, and now boasts a modern, accessible space with improved facilities for the local community.

Libraries NI hope the event will encourage new and returning visitors to explore the transformed library, which has been upgraded to the EnerPHit standard – making it one of the most energy-efficient libraries in Northern Ireland.

Sarah Sweeney, Killyleagh Branch Library manager, said the talk will offer a chance to reflect on a significant period in history as well as provide an opportunity to experience the newly-refurbished Killyleagh Library.

“We’re pleased to welcome Noel Russell and to support cross-community engagement in the local area. Everyone is encouraged to attend what promises to be an informative and thought-provoking event,” she said. 

To find out more or reserve a place contact Killyleagh Library on 028 4482 8407, email killyleagh.library@librariesni.org.uk or call into the branch.