The exhibition, organized by the European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS) based in Poland, brings to life the extraordinary tales of moral courage and heroism during one of the darkest chapters in human history. Visitors will gain insights into the complex and often perilous decisions faced by ordinary individuals who risked everything to help Jewish people escape the horrors of the Holocaust.

The UK tour will kick off at the Forum in Southend-on-Sea from January 6 to 27, 2026, before continuing to multiple cities and boroughs throughout the year. Among the locations set to host the exhibition are Worcester, Redditch, Loughborough, Salford, Huddersfield, and several boroughs in London, including Camden, Sutton, and Barnet.

The exhibition features accounts from survivors and rescuers across fifteen European countries, providing a comprehensive and moving perspective on the moral choices made during the Second World War. The British chapter of the exhibition highlights several significant stories, including that of Eva Paddock, who arrived in the UK as a child on one of the transports organized by the renowned Sir Nicholas Winton. Also featured are the remarkable stories of sisters Ida and Louise Cook, London-based women who played a pivotal role in helping Jewish refugees by smuggling valuables across borders and supporting refugees upon their arrival in the UK. In recognition of their bravery, the Cook sisters were honored as “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem in 1964.

Between Life and Death pays tribute to the courageous individuals who, despite the looming threats of imprisonment, deportation, or even death, made the conscious decision to help those persecuted by the Nazi regime. The exhibition combines the stories of both the rescuers and the survivors, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships during wartime, and providing historical context to each account. By focusing on acts of moral courage, the exhibition delves into how human compassion can thrive even under the most extreme circumstances.

This traveling exhibition is the result of a collaborative effort between ENRS, the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, and the Silent Heroes Memorial Centre in Berlin. First presented in Brussels in 2018, Between Life and Death has since been shown in numerous European countries and even in Japan, reaching thousands of visitors worldwide.

Visitors to the exhibition will not only experience the personal stories of courage and resilience but will also be prompted to reflect on the power of individual action in the face of injustice. The hope is that this exhibition will foster greater understanding and remembrance of the Holocaust, while highlighting the ongoing relevance of moral choices in today’s world.

The exhibition is free to attend, but advanced booking is recommended for certain locations. For further details about the exhibition tour and to learn more about the stories it tells, please visit the official ENRS website at this link.

The Polish Cultural Institute is one of the partners of Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust.