Holocaust literatures and solidarity in difficult times

Jewish memory, queer memory: Holocaust literatures and solidarity in difficult times

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the Centre for Global Jewish Studies is pleased to host a public lecture by Professor Helen Finch exploring the intersections of Jewish memory and queer memory in Holocaust literature.

Date: 26 January 2026

Time: 17:00-18:30

Location: OC1.01 The Oculus, Central Campus

Speaker: Professor Helen Finch

Abstract

How can Jewish memories and queer memories intersect to build new forms of solidarity? How can literature and the memory of the Holocaust bring diverse memories of pain, persecution, but also joy together?

In this lecture, Professor Finch examines the parallel histories of queer literature and Holocaust literature in the postwar period. She shows how Jewish and queer memories have often been framed as competing within Holocaust narratives. More recently, however, these memories have begun to intersect and touch in literary texts, pointing towards new modes of solidarity that can help build community in difficult and uncertain times.

Professor Helen Finch

Professor of German at the University of Leeds. She is a leading expert in German Jewish literature, Holocaust testimony and literature, and queer studies, with particular research interests in memory, identity, and postwar cultural narratives.

This event forms part of the Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations and is open to all.