Select a region
A renowned Holocaust historian and researcher has apologised for calling Alderney's community "hostile" after it formally cut ties with her.
Dr Gilly Carr was until this month a representative for the island in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
As such, she was involved in the new UK-led inquiry to establish exactly what happened and how many people died in Alderney during the German occupation.
But Alderney formally severed the relationship after a video of a presentation in which Dr Carr described the local community as "hostile" emerged online. That video was swiftly made private are the comments were noticed and shared – but copies continued to circulate on social media.
Today, the States of Alderney announced that Dr Carr had provided a public apology to the island for the offence caused in a letter.
"I am writing to offer a full and sincere apology to you, the States Members and the people of Alderney for the offence I have caused through my poor choice of words in the seminar at which I spoke several months ago," she wrote.
“I deeply regret the harm I have caused to the reputation of the island and relationships with those outside Alderney."
Pictured: The remnants of the Lager Sylt concentration camp.
At the same time, the island confirmed that Sally Sealy, Deputy Head of the UK delegation to the IHRA, had agreed to represent the island instead. Dr Carr continues to represent Guernsey and Jersey at the IHRA.
It was also confirmed that the island will comply with the IHRA Holocaust Charter “as far as the island limited resources permit”.
Planning application have been submitted for more information boards around historical sites in the island: Lager Helgoland, Lager Nordeney, Lager Borkrum, the Russian Cemetary, and the Hosptial Bunker in Longis Road.
A board is already on display at the Lager Sylt camp next to the Airport.
In 2019, the IHRA began a project to protect authentic Holocaust sites. Eight recommendations were made for protections in Alderney.
In 2021, the island hosted the Lord Eric Pickles, and Dr Carr.
They visited various sites and led to a commitment to create a five-year plan for the island – delayed due to covid – which the States of Alderney said would help the island and the IHRA “manage the narrative of the island’s history during the Nazi occupation".
Hopes that inquiry into Alderney Nazi atrocities "will bring clarity"
Tate: Alderney people are not hostile
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.