May 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of ‘The Boys’ liberation and their arrival in the UK, including Robert Rinder’s maternal grandfather, and Angela Cohen’s father, Moishe Malenicky. As schools following Angela and Robert’s journey as part of ‘The Holocaust, their Family, Me and Us’ project will know, ‘The Boys’ collectively founded the ’45 Aid Society as a charitable organisation in 1963. They wanted to say thank you and to give back to the society that had welcomed them and provide a ‘family’ of support to one another.

Over time, the running of the ‘45 Aid Society has passed to the children of ‘The Boys’, often referred to as the second generation, (Like Angela, now the chair of the society) and also to the third generation (like Rob). Together, they are the custodians of the testimonies and life stories of ‘The Boys’, keeping their testimonies alive and making them relevant for future generations through educational activities, community events and fundraising and the annual reunion.

On Sunday 4 May, Beacon School lead teachers, Jemma Tappenden, Debbie Hayden and Domonic Townsend – accompanied by teaching assistant Jodie Ellis and parent volunteer Sally Greenmont – were rewarded for their commitment to Holocaust Education and engagement in Nic Wetherall’s #HtFMeUs project with an invite to the 45Aid Society 80th Anniversary Gala Reunion at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The evening was one of extra special reflection and celebration, during which those in attendance heard from surviving members of ‘The Boys’, Society Chair, Angela Cohen, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. There was even a special mention for Highfields, Trinity and NUSA in the introductory video for the event, watched by those in attendance, who fell silent as the event got underway.

600 guests attended the event, including 8 of the surviving ‘The Boys’ and their descendants, the Home Secretary, peers, celebrity and political figures, alongside representatives of various Holocaust education organisations. And what a celebration it was! It really was a special evening for all who attended – a party unlike any other, with lighting of candles, testimony, laughter, dancing, great food and wonderful company from across the generations which blended remembrance and commemoration with celebration and a sense of family – the family ‘The Boys’ created among each other; “we don’t need to be related to relate, we don’t need genes or a surname… you are, you are my chosen, chosen family”.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Angela and the 45 Aid Society for inviting us to share in their very special and memorable night.

Watch the video – shared by kind permission of the 45 Aid Society:

Find out more about the #HtFMeUs project

Learn more about the work of the 45 Aid Society