Young People Gather in Manchester to Challenge Antisemitism and All Forms of Prejudice

“After everything I've been through, my faith in humanity is damaged and today has helped repair this.” - Anne Super, Holocaust Survivor

The Anne Frank Trust held its 7th Annual National Youth Conference in Manchester this week, bringing together 90 young people from 18 secondary schools across the UK to take a united stand against rising antisemitism and hatred.

All students had previously attended a two‑day Peer Education workshop and were trained to share their learning within their schools. Several Ambassadors also joined, representing young people actively challenging prejudice in their communities.

This year’s decision to host the conference in Manchester holds particular significance. Following the Yom Kippur attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, it is more important than ever to empower young people to challenge antisemitism and build stronger, safer communities.

We were honoured to be joined by Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, who reaffirmed the region’s commitment to tackling antisemitism and discrimination.

“The Anne Frank Trust Youth Conference offers an incredible display of strength in the face of injustice and hate. It embodies a hopeful step towards our collective mission to stand together to build a world free from prejudice. It is intolerable that our Jewish friends and neighbours in Greater Manchester live and practise their faith in fear. We will always stand up for kindness and uphold a fierce intolerance for hate of any kind. I am proud that our young people stand in solidarity to challenge hate whenever it is seen, heard, or felt within our communities.”

- Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester 

Learning, Creativity & Testimony

Students took part in a carousel of expert‑led workshops, including:

  • Holocaust learning with Hannah Randall from Holocaust Centre North
  • Survivor testimony from Anne Super via The Fed’s My Voice project
  • Creative storytelling with Phil Okwedy
  • Speechwriting and confidence‑building with Joey Leskin

“We need to remember what happened and never forget. It’s really important we learn how to speak up and use our voices to make a difference.” - Amelia, Peer Educator

Leaders from The Fed, the Board of Deputies and the Manchester Jewish Representative Council attended in support of the young people presenting their anti‑prejudice work.


Inspiring Change

The conference concluded with powerful stories of prejudice and discrimination. Judges Dan Green, Nicola Cobbold and Deputy Mayor Kate Green praised the young people for their thoughtful delivery and creativity.

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