The History of Jews in Leeds

Proud of where we have come from and where we are now...

Thanks to the generous support of the Yael Foundation, we have embarked on a project that truly reflects the story, heritage and identity of our community. Inspired by the remarkable book From Leylands to LS17, and developed with the support of its authors and members of the Leeds Jewish community, we have created a vibrant timeline that now stretches across the main wall of the LJFS side of the Henry Cohen Campus.

The timeline charts the journey of Jews in Leeds from the 1800s through to the present day, telling the story of migration, settlement, achievement, resilience and community building. It concludes with a Holocaust Memorial Wall, providing a powerful space for remembrance and reflection. Understanding this journey is incredibly important for our children. It helps them appreciate where our community has come from, the challenges and opportunities faced by previous generations, and how Jewish life in Leeds has grown and flourished. By learning about the experiences, struggles and successes of those who came before us, our pupils gain a stronger sense of identity, belonging and responsibility for the future.

The Holocaust Memorial Wall serves as a vital reminder of the consequences of hatred, prejudice and discrimination. It reinforces the importance of remembrance, education and standing up for the values of respect, tolerance and human dignity. As future generations pass through our school, this space will help ensure that these lessons are never forgotten.

This installation is far more than a display. It has been designed as a living educational resource that will support learning for years to come. Students will explore the timeline through history, art, poetry, drama and other creative projects, using it to deepen their understanding of both local and global Jewish history. The space also includes a comfortable seating area where young people can sit, reflect, discuss and connect with the stories that surround them.

We are extremely proud of this latest addition to the Henry Cohen Campus and hope it inspires everyone who visits to reflect on where we come from, where we have been, who we have become, and the challenges we have overcome along the way. If you would like to visit and experience the timeline for yourself, please get in touch. We would be delighted to welcome you and share this important piece of our community's story.