Spring 2025
The Channel Islands // Stories of betrayal and resistance
As new shoots bloom for spring, we look back at those cut short during the German occupation of the Channel Islands – this year marks the 80th anniversary of liberation from the Nazi regime. Uncover this fascinating and unsettling piece of British history with historians, archaeologists, artists and members of the present day community. Hear from those who lived through it in a powerful photo essay from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Marissa Roth and meet the relatives of those who were deported to the only concentration camp on British soil, in Alderney. Elsewhere, we take a look at the haggadahs offering a glimpse of freedom for Ukrainian Jews; speak to Anne Sebba about her new book on the extraordinary women's orchestra of Auschwitz; Dorian Lynskey explores the subversive music of Shostakovich (the subject of a new film by artist William Kentridge); Michael Downes delves into the opera shaking up Wagner's legacy; and Ayelet Tsabari tells us about her debut novel, which follows the story of a Yemeni immigrant family.
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The Ukrainian haggadahs offering a taste of freedom
Despite ongoing talk of a ceasefire, Ukrainians are entering a fourth year of war. Marina Sapritsky-Nahum explores how the country's Jewish communities are finding strength and comfort in a series of newly translated texts this Passover © Getty
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BROWSE THE FULL CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE BELOW
YOUR SAY… Readers’ rants, raves and views on the winter issue of JR.
WHAT’S NEW Marina SapritskyNahum reports on how Ukrainian Jews are welcoming Passover with a new series of Ukrainian-language haggadahs; voices of hope from Israeli and Palestinian teenagers.
FEATURE Rebecca Taylor speaks to broadcaster Emma Barnett about her latest books, the BBC and being proudly British and Jewish.
PASSPORT The Channel Islands: Marissa Roth meets the women who survived Nazi occupation; Peter Watts uncovers the islands’ troubled history; Aviva Dautch celebrates the pioneering art of Claude Cahun. Plus, meet the islanders creating a unique Jewish community.
ART Monica Bohm-Duchen explores the imaginative, modernist world of Franciszka and Stefan Themerson.
MUSIC Michael Downes speaks to the Israeli composer Avner Dorman, whose new opera delves into the myths around Richard Wagner.
FILM A new film by William Kentridge examines Shostakovich’s 10th Symphony. What made the music so subversive, asks Dorian Lynskey.
THEATRE A new drama explores the many challenges of being gay and Jewish – Josh Maughan speaks to the play’s writer; Judi Herman steps into a Sondheim spring.
BOOKS Ayelet Tsabari on her Yemenite roots; the book that predicted the rise of fascism; Naomi Gryn on the women’s orchestra of Auschwitz; cartoons about the Middle East conflict; Julia Neuberger on Lithuania’s dark history.
THE YIDDISHISTS Our series that uncovers the YIVO archive. This issue: the Kyiv library defying war.
SEPHARDI RENAISSANCE Rabbi Joseph Dweck talks about his family’s Syrian heritage; the Austrian festival that’s placing Sephardi music centre stage.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Our three-month guide to art, books, film, music, theatre and other cultural events in the UK, Europe and Israel.
MEET THE READER Christina Hilsenrath in Bath.
