A HOLOCAUST survivor from Auschwitz came to London’s East End to confirm her Jewish religious beliefs 65 years after her traumatic experience in the death camp. Lottie Tendler, now 88, was one of 12 women who took part in an Eshet Chayil woman of worth’ ceremony

By Mike Brooke

A HOLOCAUST survivor from Auschwitz came to London's East End to confirm her Jewish religious beliefs 65 years after her traumatic experience in the death camp.

Lottie Tendler, who is now 88, was one of 12 women aged 43 to 92 who took part in an Eshet Chayil 'woman of worth' ceremony on Sunday at the Stepney Jewish day centre.

It was a 'bitter sweet' occasion for Lottie, as it brought back memories of family who had perished.

"This ceremony is important," she said. "It reminds me of how I feel about being Jewish, what I learned at home all those years ago. It has brought back many memories."

It was the first time the Jewish Care charity has run such an event.

The idea came from Joyce Saffron, who has volunteered at the centre for over 50 years. Joyce explained: "I kept hearing about men who were having a second Bar Mitzvah and thought, why not a service for women."

The 12 women, with a combined aged of more than 900 years, received 'Woman of Worth' certificates presented by Jewish Care trustee Debbie Fox at the centre in Stepney Green, in front of an audience of 150.

Their combined ages were more than 900 years. Oldest was 92-year-old Amelia Finger, who has lived in the East End all her life.

Youngest was former City head-hunter and care volunteer Emma Byre, 43, whose mother and late grandmother were volunteers at the Stepney centre. Her grandfather was Boris Bennett, well-known East End photographer.