An in-person interview with the nephew of Rusty Bernstein, the anti-apartheid activist who stood trial alongside Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela, Uncle Rusty... and me: My Jewish family's role in the struggle against apartheid, and what it means for Palestine.

Who?

Rusty Bernstein and his wife Hilda Bernstein were intimately involved in the struggle against South Africa's apartheid regime. In 1963, Rusty Bernstein was accused of Treason by the Apartheid regime and tried alongside Nelson Mandela in the infamous Rivonia Trial. Immediately rearrested and then bailed after the verdict, he and Hilda escaped to the UK, where they lived as exiles for the remainder of the regime. When the regime ended, he joined Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg to witness the eventual victory of the ANC in South Africa's first free elections.

What?

Nick Sherwood is Rusty and Hilda's nephew. In this interview, we will hear about his family's role in South Africa's struggle, the role of their Jewish ancestry and values in motivating their involvement in it, and what it all means (and the parallels we can draw) in the struggle for Palestinian liberation today.

Nick Sherwood will be interviewed by Daniel Maxwell for a recorded interview in front of a live audience.

When?

2pm on Sunday 13th December, 2026.

Doors open at 2pm, interview starts at 2:30pm

A chance for questions and further discussion after the interview

Where?

Central Quaker Meeting House, Champion Square, Bristol, BS2 9DB

Anything else to know?

This event is held by Big Ideas Open Minds. a non-profit dedicated to exploring the big drivers that affect our world and the big ideas that could help us make the world a better place. Donate here to help us put on more events like this: https://liberapay.com/BIOM/donate (https://liberapay.com/BIOM/donate)

£10 tickets are available with code FRIENDSOFBIOM1312 (normal price £16).

Description supplied by the event organiser.