Statement on the passing of Marina Smith

We are devastated to hear that Marina Smith has passed away. Marina, her husband and two sons, Stephen and James, established the National Holocaust Centre and Museum, in Nottinghamshire in the 1990s, in what was once their family home. Originally known as Beth Shalom, it now houses the only national museum in the UK dedicated to teaching about, and learning lessons from, the Holocaust. Visting it in the late 1990s was a shock: here was the Jewish community’s collective pain and recent history on display, sensitively understood and relayed by a Christian family, urging responsibility by all for human respect and tolerance.

Marina was an immense force for good – she was driven by her deep Christian faith and the strong belief that the Holocaust is deeply meaningful and significant for everyone. Establishing more than a physical Centre, she formed close bonds with Holocaust survivors and has made a profound and positive impact on the lives of many thousands of people.

Marina, and the whole Smith family, have made a significant difference to the UK and the way we all learn about and commemorate the Holocaust. The impact of Marina’s inspirational behaviour and deeds should not be under-estimated.

We at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust have many reasons to be indebted to Marina and her family; our founder Chairperson is Stephen Smith, and our friends at NHCM actively work with us to achieve a common purpose. And I remain constantly inspired by what Marina and her family achieved. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Stephen, James and their father during this sad and difficult time.

We will continue to mourn the loss of Marina, whilst celebrating her rich and impactful life, and the legacy she has left behind.

Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, Chief Executive of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust