Statement from Calderdale Interfaith Council and Calderdale Council
Following the sad news that Holocaust survivor, Rudi Leavor has died at the age of 95, Cllr Chris Pillai JP, the Mayor of Calderdale and Chair of Calderdale Interfaith Council, said:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Rudi’s death. Rudi was a remarkable man and made a big impact in Calderdale, especially through his work with Calderdale Interfaith Council and on the Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.
“Calderdale Interfaith Council, Calderdale Council and the borough’s faith communities celebrate the life of Rudi, and send our condolences to his family, friends and the Jewish community at Bradford Synagogue.
“Rudi died in the early hours of today from COVID-19, aged 95. He was a Holocaust survivor and came to England and made his home in Bradford. As well as training to become a dentist, he was a big family man, and a very committed practising Jew, taking on the role of Cantor and Chair of the Synagogue. Rudi was part of the energy behind the new Holocaust Memorial Museum at Huddersfield University, which opened recently.
“Rudi was also strongly in favour of bringing together the faith communities across West Yorkshire, and was an active member of Calderdale Interfaith Council. His rendition of the Mourning Song which he sang on Remembrance Sunday in Halifax Minster will live on in the memories of all who heard him sing, and at Holocaust Memorial Day events for many years.”
The photo of Rudi Leavor is from the Holocaust Exhibition & Learning Centre at Huddersfield University.