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Polish born Dr Alex Hershaft believes he survived the Warsaw Ghetto in order to commit his life to stopping the oppression of animals in the meat industry.

Speaking at the final leg of his European tour at the Jewish Museum in London this week, 82-year-old Alex told the astonishing story of how his harrowing experience resulted in a lifelong passion for animal rights.

Having survived the Warsaw Ghetto after his Father was captured and murdered by the Nazis, Alex escaped to Europe followed by the US and Israel, respectively.

Following a successful career as an environmental chemist, a work trip to a slaughterhouse made him realise his true vocation. As a result in 1976 he co-founded the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) and became a vegan in 1981.

He says of his experience:

"This is when I finally realised that there was a valid reason for my surviving the Holocaust and a valid way to repay my debt for surviving. This is when I resolved to spend the rest of my life fighting all forms of oppression."

Ever since, Alex has spent the rest of his life campaigning for the rights of farm animals; as a member of the Advisory Council of Jewish Veg in America, Patron of the Jewish Vegetarian Society, and the current President of FARM.

Vegan cookbooks - in pictures 8 show all Vegan cookbooks - in pictures 1/8 Browse our pick of the best vegan cookbooks... 2/8 The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon Creator of award-winning vegan blog ‘Oh She Glows’, Angela Liddon knows a thing or two about making non-dairy meals look and taste amazing. The gorgeous photographs in this book will keep you motivated, while tempting recipes like Creamy Avocado Pasta and Chilled Chocolate Espresso Torte will encourage you to cook more. £11.89, Amazon, £11.89, Amazon, Buy it now 3/8 Ms Cupcake: The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town by Mellissa Morgan The idea of baking without dairy and eggs might sound odd, but the recipes in this colourful book – written by the creator of London’s first all-vegan bakery – prove that you can still make indulgent treats free using simple substitutes. Choose from fabulous entrees such as blueberry almond crumble muffins, strawberry cheesecake and coconut bounty cupcakes. £12.91, Amazon, £12.91, Amazon, Buy it now 4/8 The New Vegan: Great Recipes, No-Nonsense Advice & Simple Tips by Aine Carlin Following the success of her first book – Keep it Vegan, author and blogger Aine Carlin returns with this inspiring read full of useful tips and easy-to-follow recipes. Try her filling casseroles on rainy days or the strawberry galette when you need a sweet pick-me-up. £9, Wordery, £9, Wordery, Buy it now 5/8 Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*** The authors behind popular food blog Thug Kitchen have created a fun, humorous and informative cookbook that’s just the ticket for those who are completely new to veganism. From Broccoli Burritos to Baked Spanish Rice, you’ll find something for every mood and occasion. £11.89, Amazon, £11.89, Amazon, Buy it now 6/8 Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen Paperback by Kathy Patalsky Who knew kale salad could taste so good? This beautifully-presented book contains a range of approachable recipes that will help you turn those basic ingredients into something wonderful – think BBQ peanut burgers and cashew pot pie. £14.88, Amazon, £14.88, Amazon, Buy it now 7/8 Keep it Vegan by Áine Carlin Upon its inception, Carlin’s popular Pea Soup Eats blog was welcomed with open arms by the then underrepresented vegan community. Even non-vegans will be sated by the food on offer- dishes such as Sweet Potato Sushi and Watermelon Bulgar Wheat Salad are satisfyingly substantial- and it’s a great book to have on hand if you’ve got to entertain someone who’s meat free. £10.49, Amazon, £10.49, Amazon, Buy it now 8/8 15 Minute Vegan by Katy Beskow We can all have excellent culinary intentions, but when pushed for time and money can often end up reaching for something quick and instantly satisfying like a frozen pizza or shop-bought tortellini. Vegans, on the other hand, don’t have this luxury as limited options in the prepared food aisles mean they really have to think ahead. Thank goodness, then, for this new 15 minute book, offering up meat and dairy free meals that can be whipped up in an instant. We particularly love the sound of the breakfast burritos and butternut squash macaroni. £10.50, Amazon, £10.50, Amazon, Buy it now 1/8 Browse our pick of the best vegan cookbooks... 2/8 The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon Creator of award-winning vegan blog ‘Oh She Glows’, Angela Liddon knows a thing or two about making non-dairy meals look and taste amazing. The gorgeous photographs in this book will keep you motivated, while tempting recipes like Creamy Avocado Pasta and Chilled Chocolate Espresso Torte will encourage you to cook more. £11.89, Amazon, £11.89, Amazon, Buy it now 3/8 Ms Cupcake: The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town by Mellissa Morgan The idea of baking without dairy and eggs might sound odd, but the recipes in this colourful book – written by the creator of London’s first all-vegan bakery – prove that you can still make indulgent treats free using simple substitutes. Choose from fabulous entrees such as blueberry almond crumble muffins, strawberry cheesecake and coconut bounty cupcakes. £12.91, Amazon, £12.91, Amazon, Buy it now 4/8 The New Vegan: Great Recipes, No-Nonsense Advice & Simple Tips by Aine Carlin Following the success of her first book – Keep it Vegan, author and blogger Aine Carlin returns with this inspiring read full of useful tips and easy-to-follow recipes. Try her filling casseroles on rainy days or the strawberry galette when you need a sweet pick-me-up. £9, Wordery, £9, Wordery, Buy it now 5/8 Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*** The authors behind popular food blog Thug Kitchen have created a fun, humorous and informative cookbook that’s just the ticket for those who are completely new to veganism. From Broccoli Burritos to Baked Spanish Rice, you’ll find something for every mood and occasion. £11.89, Amazon, £11.89, Amazon, Buy it now 6/8 Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen Paperback by Kathy Patalsky Who knew kale salad could taste so good? This beautifully-presented book contains a range of approachable recipes that will help you turn those basic ingredients into something wonderful – think BBQ peanut burgers and cashew pot pie. £14.88, Amazon, £14.88, Amazon, Buy it now 7/8 Keep it Vegan by Áine Carlin Upon its inception, Carlin’s popular Pea Soup Eats blog was welcomed with open arms by the then underrepresented vegan community. Even non-vegans will be sated by the food on offer- dishes such as Sweet Potato Sushi and Watermelon Bulgar Wheat Salad are satisfyingly substantial- and it’s a great book to have on hand if you’ve got to entertain someone who’s meat free. £10.49, Amazon, £10.49, Amazon, Buy it now 8/8 15 Minute Vegan by Katy Beskow We can all have excellent culinary intentions, but when pushed for time and money can often end up reaching for something quick and instantly satisfying like a frozen pizza or shop-bought tortellini. Vegans, on the other hand, don’t have this luxury as limited options in the prepared food aisles mean they really have to think ahead. Thank goodness, then, for this new 15 minute book, offering up meat and dairy free meals that can be whipped up in an instant. We particularly love the sound of the breakfast burritos and butternut squash macaroni. £10.50, Amazon, £10.50, Amazon, Buy it now

He compares the treatment of animals in the meat industry to his experience within a concentration camp, including the use of branding and witnessing piles of body parts on a regular basis.

Jimmy Pierson, Director of ProVeg UK who coordinated his tour, said of Dr Hershaft:

“His life story is unique and compelling - from suffering unimaginable injustice and oppression first-hand to dedicating his life to freeing others from the same. All of us who hope for a kinder world will, I am sure, be deeply moved by his presentation.”

Watch the video to find out more about Alex’s remarkable story.