Holocaust Ambassador Conference 2026

Holocaust Ambassador Conference 2026 – Upstanders, Not Bystanders

On Monday 6th July, Mrs Skelton accompanied our two Holocaust Ambassadors, Anthony and Toby, to London for the annual Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) Ambassador Conference. The event celebrated the achievements of ambassadors from across the country in educating others about the Holocaust and challenging antisemitism within their schools and communities.

Holocaust Ambassador Conference 2026

This year's theme, "Upstanders, Not Bystanders," encouraged young people to take positive action when faced with prejudice, discrimination and hate. Throughout the day, ambassadors were inspired to reflect on the difference they can make by speaking out, standing alongside others and promoting understanding.

We were privileged to hear from a range of powerful and thought-provoking speakers, including Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, and David Bolchover, author of Digging Deep, which tells the stories of Jewish footballers murdered during the Holocaust. David generously presented every ambassador with a signed copy of his book. The ambassadors were also deeply moved by Uri Winterstein BEM, a Holocaust survivor, whose testimony highlighted the courage, bravery and kindness of those who risked everything to help save his life.

The conference included a panel discussion exploring antisemitism and allyship, and the vital role both play in responding to the rise in antisemitism seen today. Anthony and Toby were also able to choose from a variety of workshops. They found the session "Clicks, Conspiracies and Hate", which examined misinformation, conspiracy theories and hate online, particularly informative, although also shocking in revealing the scale of harmful content being shared.

The day left both ambassadors feeling even more motivated and passionate about their role. They returned determined to continue educating others about the Holocaust, challenging prejudice wherever they encounter it and encouraging others to become upstanders rather than bystanders.

A quote shared by one of the panel members perfectly captured the key message of the conference:

"Ongoing kindness seems to do nothing, but it's not nothing – it's something. And the world is built on small somethings."

This powerful message reminds us that positive change does not always come from grand gestures. Often, it is the small acts of kindness, courage and compassion that have the greatest impact. Every time we stand up for someone, challenge discrimination or show understanding towards others, we help to create a better world.

At Fountains High School, this message resonates strongly with two of our core values. Kindness, underpinned by respect, is at the heart of everything we do. Anthony and Toby have represented our school exceptionally well and returned inspired to continue promoting these values through their work as Holocaust Ambassadors, helping to build a community where everyone feels valued, respected and included.