Rachel Pistol
Director of the UK Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI-UK) @ehri-uk.bsky.social at @historyatsoton.bsky.social. Digital historian of Second World War internment in the UK & USA and refugee history. Honorary Historian at World Jewish Relief
- The cutest personal assistant there is... #cats
- Reposted by Rachel PistolVery nice to see so many people showing up for the annual European Holocaust Research Infrastructure Lecture at the University of Southampton! @ehri-project.eu @ehri-uk.bsky.social @ehri-hr.bsky.social @drpistol.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rachel PistolCFP - Crossing Borders: Transnational Perspectives on Life-Writing and Ego-Documents - 14 April 2026 We're pleased to invite proposals for this upcoming one-day conference at the University of Southampton! Please share!!
- Reposted by Rachel PistolThe Second Call for EHRI-UK National Research Fellowships is live 📅 Apply by 30 Nov 2025 Find out more 👇 www.ehri-uk.org/ehri-uk-fell... @wienerlibrary.bsky.social @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy @hgrporg.bsky.social @holocaustnorth.bsky.social @biahs1.bsky.social @parkesinstitute.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rachel PistolPlease join us for the Annual EHRI-UK Lecture with speakers Michal Frankl, Vanden Daelen Veerle, Michal Brandl and Rachel Pistol! 🗓️ Tuesday 4 November, 5:30 pm GMT 📍 Avenue Campus 🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ehri-uk-an...
- Reposted by Rachel PistolI sought to protect an immigrant legal client. Instead, I’m facing Trump’s new sanctions
- Reposted by Rachel PistolGo work for Rachel!
- Come work for me! 👇🏻 @biahs1.bsky.social @wienerlibrary.bsky.social @parkesinstitute.bsky.social @historyatsoton.bsky.social @hgrporg.bsky.social @ehri-project.eu
- We're hiring! EHRI-UK Project Assistant - remote work w/ some travel @wienerlibrary.bsky.social Part time (0.4-0.5FTE depending on candidate). Initially 9 months but anticipating extension. Perfect for #PhD students - spread the word! Closing date 26/09/25 wienerholocaustlibrary.org/what-we-do/s...
- Reposted by Rachel PistolOver six years, researchers have worked closely with 25 single-mother families living in the shadow of this policy - which even affects British citizens.
- Many showers, first rainbow and beautifully intense
- What happens when your right to due process is removed? #history theconversation.com/why-japanese... @uk.theconversation.com @officialbaas.bsky.social #ice @hotcus.bsky.social #ushistory #dayofaction
- This weekend there was an impressive #DayOfAction to #ProtectOurParks & stand up to erasure of #history under #Trump With #ICE raids & federal troops in #DC there is also an alarming repeat of history. Read more 👇🏻 theconversation.com/why-japanese... @unisouthampton.bsky.social @hotcus.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rachel Pistolnew blog by our colleague Dr Rachel Pistol about her piece in The Conversation. generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk/history/wp-a...
- Reposted by Rachel Pistol“They have clearly shifted to it being a resource for BBC business priorities. The corporation no longer recognises the value that working with scholars brings, despite the fact this is an archive of how public money was spent over most of a century.” #history 📚🗃️ #BBC observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
- Sometimes when you stare into the void, the void stares back... #cats
- Reposted by Rachel PistolTrump's push for 'Americanism' at the Smithsonian echoes George Orwell’s theme in 1984 of controlling the past to shape the future. A historian examines the implications for national memory: buff.ly/vhcXkeO
- Reposted by Rachel PistolA must-read article from the expert on this, @drpistol.bsky.social.
- Wondering why there is so much happening regarding #ProtectEveryPark Day of Action? The Trump administration is both erasing & repeating history #EO9066 #ICE @jamuseum.bsky.social @manzanarcommittee.bsky.social @denshoproject.bsky.social @officialbaas.bsky.social @hotcus.bsky.social
- Wondering why there is so much happening regarding #ProtectEveryPark Day of Action? The Trump administration is both erasing & repeating history #EO9066 #ICE @jamuseum.bsky.social @manzanarcommittee.bsky.social @denshoproject.bsky.social @officialbaas.bsky.social @hotcus.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rachel PistolAmericans of Japanese heritage have been protesting at recent Ice tactics.
- My article explaining the disturbing similarities between what happened to Japanese Americans in #WWII & today's #USA @hotcus.bsky.social @historyatsoton.bsky.social @universityofexeter.bsky.social @officialbaas.bsky.social @unisouthampton.bsky.social theconversation.com/why-japanese...
- Reposted by Rachel PistolResearch Fellowship opportunities now open ⬇️ @parkesinstitute.bsky.social @hgrporg.bsky.social @holocauststudies.bsky.social @holocaustmusic.bsky.social @ehri-project.eu @holocaustmuseumuk.bsky.social
- First call for EHRI-UK National Research Fellowships is open! Deadline 23 July 2025. Short term access for researchers, archivists, librarians, & curators @wienerlibrary.bsky.social Imperial War Museum @holocaustnorth.bsky.social @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy www.ehri-uk.org/ehri-uk-fell...
- Reposted by Rachel Pistol📣JOB ALERT📣 Are you passionate about data and making a difference in the public sector? The National Archives is looking for a talented data specialist to transform archival metadata bringing history to life. Application deadline 29 July 2025. www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DNS940/r... #digitalhumanities
- Reposted by Rachel Pistol“An Iranian woman who has lived in the United States for 47 years, has no criminal record, and is married to a US citizen was detained by ICE as she gardened outside her New Orleans home.” ht: @timmiller.bsky.social www.nola.com/news/politic...
- Reposted by Rachel PistolWhat happened in Minnesota is a direct consequence of the violent way that Trump talks about his political opponents.
- Reposted by Rachel PistolGov. Tim Walz says Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed last night in “a political assassination.”
- Reposted by Rachel PistolAn incredible and worthwhile effort to foster community among early career researchers of #HolocaustStudies, #GermanStudies, #JewishStudies, & #GenocideStudies in the UK. The #IWM networking event was organized by our researcher @caileedavis.bsky.social. Congrats on a truly inspiring event!
- A major thank you to everyone who attended and supported the #HolocaustStudies networking event at the #IWM last week… What a fantastic day fostering community and supporting young researchers. We hope to make this an annual event so look out for future calls for participants! 📣
- Job call in #DH for Research Projects Data Analyst with @ehri-uk.bsky.social & @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy Spread the word! @ukiedh.bsky.social
- Come work with us! 📢 NEW JOB ALERT 📢 Research Projects Data Analyst at The National Archives, UK Fixed Term Appointment for 12 months Closing date: Monday 26 May 2025 midnight nationalarchives.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/... #digitalhumanities
- Reposted by Rachel PistolThese judges ruled against Trump. Then their families came under attack. reut.rs/3Sm2yJe
- Reposted by Rachel PistolThe FBI’s arrest of Judge Hannah Dugan is a bid to silence dissent | Moira Donegan
- Reposted by Rachel PistolOne hundred days into President Trump's second term, DOGE hasn't delivered on its promised savings, efficiency or transparency in meaningful ways. But it has amassed unprecedented power over data.
- Second cherry and almond marzipan cake of the weekend has been baked... Hard to keep up with all the Easter guests needing cake! #baking
- Big bro has stopped by for a couple of days so we took him to River Exe Café after getting late availability. It's a restaurant in the middle of the Exe estuary & we try to go at least once a year. Big bro is a new convert to the experience. Lovely evening #Devon
- Reposted by Rachel PistolJUST IN: Judge finds 'probable cause' to hold U.S. in contempt over Alien Enemies Act deportations
- Reposted by Rachel PistolProsecutors have charged Cody Balmer, 38, with attempted murder, terrorism, aggravated arson and other crimes. He turned himself in to police later on Sunday.
- A local peacock and hen visited our property today. The house panther followed me when I went to say hello & tried to pounce on one, leading to flight onto the council offices' roof & some fowl language... 😉 The panther maintains he could have had them... #cats #devon
- Reposted by Rachel PistolIt seems like they frequently removed the word “Equality.” Which is not an American value anymore? JFC www.washingtonpost.com/investigatio... I guess we are back to the Dunning school and reconciliation narratives of the early 20th century. A century of progress erased before our eyes.
- Reposted by Rachel Pistola friend sent me this one
- Reposted by Rachel Pistol‘Her advice to anyone planning to travel to the US is simply not to go. “First, because of the danger of what could happen to you. And, secondly, do you really want to give your money to this country right now?” @jennykleeman.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rachel PistolGiven that this agency’s budget is less than 0.01 percent of the US budget, it’s clearer than ever that the real attack is on ordinary people and our ability to know and understand the world around us. Congress has the power to stop Trump’s power grab and must act to do so.
- New cat flap unlocked, apparently! #cats
- Reposted by Rachel PistolAlmost all NOAA Research websites that rely on cloud services - including Amazon, Google and WordPress - are poised to disappear at midnight ET Saturday after a contract was targeted for "early termination." Labs may also feel the effects. Story for @bloomberg.com (free link):
- Reposted by Rachel PistolAHRC offers amazing value for money. Our grant covers all arts and humanities disciplines (and there are a lot!! www.ukri.org/wp-content/u... ) 1000 grants over the past 3 years, funding 150 organizations c.1500 PhD starters And leverage of £350m co-funding from inside UKRI & other funders
- Being the good neighbour that he is, MJ sometimes pops next door to do the occasional drawer inspection. He reports that everything seems in order. #cats
- Reposted by Rachel PistolExclusive: Navajo Code Talkers disappear from military websites after Trump DEI order
- Reposted by Rachel PistolWebpage detailing Jackie Robinson’s military service removed by Pentagon in latest DEI purge
- Reposted by Rachel PistolHolocaust education? DEI Breast cancer awareness? DEI 9/11? N̶e̶v̶e̶r̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶g̶e̶t̶!̶ ̶ DEI
- Reposted by Rachel PistolOrder calls for teardown of department as Trump seemingly tries to circumvent need to obtain congressional approval * US politics live – latest updates Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that instructs the US education secretary, Linda McMahon, to start dismantling the…
- Reposted by Rachel PistolAnd the 442nd Infantry Regiment & 100th battalion, aka the Japanese Americans of WWII aka The Most Decorated in US Military History literally demanded to fight under segregation while their families were interned at Manzanar, but that's apparently 'DEI' too and hence now deleted from US DoD history
- Segregation had only been outlawed for four years when Rogers mounted his defense as a lieutenant colonel. In other words, he nearly sacrificed his life for a country that had him serve most of his career as a second-class citizen. And these fascists have the nerve to call it a "DEI Medal of Honor."
- Reposted by Rachel PistolAnother EHRI First: the National Coordinators Committee Meeting in Zagreb. Results: ❗Chair @drpistol.bsky.social (UK @unisouthampton.bsky.social ) and Vice-Chair Marianne Windsperger (AT at VWI). ‼️Coming Soon: New EHRI Conny Kristel #Fellowship Call and Seminar! www.ehri-project.eu/another-ehri...
- Beautiful afternoon for exploring #MeldonReservoir #Dartmoor
- Someone is a bit special with his sleeping position tonight... #cats
- Reposted by Rachel PistolThe 2025 @ihr.bsky.social paid internships are now open for applications! There’s one with #Reviewsinhistory & one with #BBIH. These internships are brilliant opportunities for people looking to develop careers in history making in all contexts www.history.ac.uk/funding/ihr-... Deadline 31.03.25.
- Super low tide #beach walk today. Have been promising to take some local friends to explore this for ages! #Devon
- Flipping freezing now but we did manage to spot several planets after the sunset in #Sidmouth
- Sunday afternoon #baking - a new recipe for a cheese and apple scone to go with my soup. Yum!
- Reposted by Rachel PistolThe politics of spite are alive and well in Donald Trump's Washington. This compelling piece from The Big Picture explores how the MAGA Republican Party has transformed obstruction into an electoral strategy and what Democrats can do to counter this trend.
- Reposted by Rachel PistolOur ground-breaking new exhibition, created with NGO Fortify Rights, features the photography of three survivors of the Rohingya Genocide. On display at the Library until 3 April 2025 📍 wienerholocaustlibrary.org/exhibition/a...
- Reposted by Rachel PistolPeople's trust in politics is in long-term decline, says our political expert Dr @viktorv.bsky.social. He and his colleague’s latest study shows trust in democratic governments has been falling around the world since the 1990s. Full @uk.theconversation.com article 👇 brnw.ch/21wQPx5
- Reposted by Rachel PistolWe are enjoying listening to Soton History's Prof. Maria Hayward on R4's 'In Our Time', discussing Catherine of Aragon. Live right now - or available via catch up services here! www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
- Reposted by Rachel PistolThe end of last month saw the founding of the European Holocaust Research Infrastructure (EHRI). Our colleague @drpistol.bsky.social explains why it marks such an important moment for Holocaust Research in this blog: www.ukri.org/blog/support...
- Reposted by Rachel Pistol“Be clear about what Trump and Musk’s aid axe will do: people will face terror and starve, many will die” Gordon Brown www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
- I baked an apple scone today for the first time in years. Used to have them as a tea time treat some Sundays with my parents. Sent the parentals a photo & look what my Dad found in a Father's Day card he apparently keeps in his bedside table! I really should've written an expiry date... 😂 #baking
- Reposted by Rachel PistolIn a recent article for @uk.theconversation.com, Dr Sarah Trott, Senior Lecturer in American Studies and History, explores why American Studies degrees are declining in popularity and why the subject has never been more important. 👇 theconversation.com/american-stu...
- Reposted by Rachel PistolUniversity of Southampton International Summer School 2025 has launched! There is a rich range of courses available, including Public History: Film, Video Games & Heritage. Visit our website to find out more: 🔗 go.soton.ac.uk/gqc #uos #summerschool #studentexperience
- Sous chef training in progress... #cats
- Reposted by Rachel PistolBig news! The European Holocaust Research Infrastructure was granted the legal status of a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). Read more in this blog post by @drpistol.bsky.social, director of EHRI-UK and senior research fellow at the Parkes Institute: www.ukri.org/blog/support...
- It's finally here! The Obama Administration: Perceptions and Encounters beyond America is out now @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social www.bloomsbury.com/uk/obama-adm... Get your library to order a copy! @hotcus.bsky.social @officialbaas.bsky.social @ushistorymatters.bsky.social @historyatsoton.bsky.social
- Reposted by Rachel PistolSome Jewish studies and related accounts which you should follow, new here or which we’ve failed to spot before: @ehri-uk.bsky.social @seethetreasures.bsky.social @ihrjewishhistory.bsky.social @newgenerationgroup.bsky.social @jewishhistorical.bsky.social @leobaeckcollege.bsky.social @ehri-project.eu
- Underhooken Cliffs this morning #Devon #LoveDevon
- A diverting evening at Time light show @exetercathedral.bsky.social
- Exciting times for scholars of #WW2 #internment British Internment & the Internment of Britons is now out in paperback! @bloomsburyhist.bsky.social Get yourself a copy at www.bloomsbury.com/uk/british-i... @parkesinstitute.bsky.social @historyatsoton.bsky.social @gillycarr.bsky.social
- It's that time of year again for the shopping summary! No longer are we #14 in the southwest for Loyd Grossman's Chargrilled Vegetable pasta sauce. No, this year we are in pole position again, but for Tikka curry paste #CheckYouOut
- Reposted by Rachel PistolThis year for Southampton's Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Day, we are honoured to be hosting Janine Webber BEM. Born in Lvov in 1932, Janine was the only member of her family who survived the ghetto and was placed in hiding, working as a maid until liberation when she moved to Paris and the UK
- Reposted by Rachel Pistolwww.unlikely-refuge.eu/2025/01/03/c... This is the final conference of the Unlikely Refuge? project. Can we think about refugee protection in the plural? Does researching regions beyond the 'West' contribute to a discussion about alternative refugee regimes? Apply until the end of February!
- Stunning afternoon in Charmouth yesterday, searching for fossils and sea glass. Came back with quite a haul of the latter. Can't believe we haven't visited before! #Charmouth #Dorset #beach #sunset
- Happy New Year 🎆
- Reposted by Rachel Pistol🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ MJ, a true catstorian at work, hasn't made it onto BlueSky yet so is hanging out in @drpistol.bsky.social's account. 😼😼😼😼😼
- Meowy Christmas! Can't stop, eating turkey... #cats #christmas
- Reposted by Rachel PistolNow out in paperback! 🥳🥳 and @drpistol.bsky.social and I heartily recommend it as a stocking filler!! 😊😊😁
