St Margaret’s Church in Rainham has hosted an exhibition in a run up to Holocaust Memorial Day.

The exhibition called ‘The Promise’ was borrowed from the Jewish Museum in London. It tells the story of Eva Schloss, a Jewish woman from Vienna, who survived Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps during the Second World War, and is also known as a step-sister of Anne Frank.

The exhibition features Mrs Schloss family’s early memories and her childhood photographs.

After the Nazi invasion of Austria Eva Scholss’ family fled and spent two years in hiding – Eva and her mother in one house, and her father and brother in another. During his time in hiding, Eva’s brother Heinz quelled his fears by writing poetry and painting artwork.

They were all later deported to Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, where their family got separated. Sadly, only Mrs Schloss and her mother managed to survive.

The exhibition also features paintings and writings of her brother, which she has promised to preserve in his memory.

 

The church was also running the exhibition on Facebook, where they featured series of interviews with Eva Schloss, as she recalled her childhood memories.

Nathan Ward, a vicar at the church, said: “The public have responded really well. The response online has been phenomenal, with hundreds of people watching the videos every day.

“We think it’s important to come and look at the story around the Holocaust, so we can learn about history but also think about the future for as a community.”

Sylvia Eastwood, a visitor at the church, said: It’s very thought-provoking and horrific story, but it’s important that we never forget it. It’s a privilege to be able to see and read it, so I hope lots of people will want to come and see it too.”

“This week is the week for Christian unity, but really we need to think about the unity between all religions”, she added.