City launches online Jewish archive

The Hesselberg family were Jewish immigrants from Russia

The history of Liverpool's Jewish community - which was once the UK's largest outside London - is being preserved for posterity on the internet.

Thousands of Jews fled to the city in search of a better life during the late 19th Century after escaping persecution in Russia and eastern Europe.

The online exhibition details how the city's Jewish community set up welfare groups for those refugees.

It also mentions Herbert Louis Samuel - the first Viscount Samuel of Toxteth and Mount Carmel who became home secretary in 1916.

The archive - which will appear on the city council's website from the end of September - has been compiled with the help of the city's current Jewish community.

The Hebrew Educational Institute was one of the city's Jewish schools

It includes material dating back to 1722 from 197 boxes of records.

Arnold Lewis, chairman of Liverpool Jewish Historical Society of England, said the archive "threw light onto events that even we in the Jewish community had forgotten and in some cases were not even aware of.

"By cataloguing these records they have provided a fascinating story, not just for the Jewish community to research and follow, but anyone around the world interested in social history."

Councillor Warren Bradley, of Liverpool City Council, said: ''Thanks to this project we now have a fascinating insight into our Jewish community and one of the most vibrant periods in European history when millions of people passed through Liverpool seeking refuge and a better life.

''This work also reveals the debt of gratitude Liverpool owes to them and the many diverse communities which have shaped it.

"It also provides an important lesson in today's world, in that only through a culture of tolerance and acceptance can a society truly grow and develop.''