It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Sir Ben Helfgott, alumnus and Honorary Graduate of the University, on Friday 16 June, aged 93.
Sir Ben, a Polish-born British Holocaust survivor, Olympian, and champion weightlifter has left behind a remarkable legacy. His triumphs in weightlifting, including national championships and Olympic participation, were exceeded only by his tireless efforts to promote Holocaust education and advocate for cultural integration and peace. His death is a profound loss for the University of Southampton and the world.
Born in Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland, in 1929, Ben’s early years were marred by the horrors of the Holocaust. Sir Ben endured unimaginable hardships during World War II, including surviving Buchenwald and Theresienstadt concentration camps. He and his sister were the only members of his family to survive. Sir Ben’s experiences during this dark chapter in history shaped his character and ignited within him an unwavering commitment to ensuring that the world never forgets the atrocities of the past. After liberation, he arrived in England as one the Windermere Children: a group of young refugees who were taken to the Lake District to recover from their ordeal at the hands of the Nazis.
In 1948, Sir Ben began his studies in economics at what was then known as University College, Southampton. Although he did not complete his degree, his time at the University was formative. It was during this period that Ben developed a lasting friendship with Clinton Silver, who would later become the managing director of Marks & Spencer. Their shared passion for athletics led them to engage in various sports, including pole vaulting, representing Southampton at a national level.
Sir Ben’s journey in weightlifting was nothing short of extraordinary. His passion for the sport began when, as a young refugee in London, he witnessed a group of weightlifters training in a park. He walked boldly into the muscle-bound throng and lifted more than 80kg to the amazement of those around him.
From this point on, he embarked on a journey that would see him become a champion in his own right, inspiring others with his unwavering resolve. He won multiple national titles, representing Great Britain in weightlifting at the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games. His athletic accomplishments extended to the Maccabiah Games, where he clinched gold medals in the lightweight category three times.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Sir Ben dedicated his life to promoting Holocaust education and fostering cultural integration and peace. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the ’45 Aid Society, a self-help group for young Holocaust survivors. His tireless efforts to commemorate and educate others about the Holocaust led him to contribute significantly to the first permanent Holocaust exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in 2000. He was a long-standing supporter of the Parkes Institute and its pioneer work in Holocaust education at university level. He was a key figure in the creation of the journal Holocaust Studies which is still published in conjunction with the Parkes Institute.
The University of Southampton was privileged to have Sir Ben share his experiences and wisdom with our students. His visit to the classroom left an indelible mark, as he recounted his personal journey and offered insights into the resilience of the human spirit. Sir Ben’s story resonated deeply with those who had the honour of hearing it, inspiring all present with his bravery and unwavering commitment to justice.
In 2006, Sir Ben received a richly deserved honorary degree, finally concluding the studies he had started decades earlier at the University of Southampton. The graduands present burst into spontaneous applause upon hearing of his life and achievements.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sir Ben’s beloved wife, Arza, their sons Michael, Nathan, and Maurice, and his sister Mala. Sir Ben Helfgott’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
