Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

Fact in Fiction: A Jewish Soldier in the Wehrmacht

Various venues across London

Mon 5 Oct · 19:00 · £20.25

90m · Talk

About this event

"Fact in Fiction: A Jewish Soldier in the Wehrmacht " with Riley Neubauer Summary: It sounds unfathomable: Jewish soldiers served in Hitler’s army during World War II. Not a hidden secret, not a rumor, but a documented fact that the regime itself tracked. Historians estimate as many as 150,000 Mischling men––those of mixed Jewish ancestry––served in the Wehrmacht. “The Weight of a Star: A Jewish Man in the Wehrmacht” sits within this paradox. Riley’s historical fiction short story follows Felix Schneider––a composite character built from real historical actors––as he tries to do the impossible: reconcile his identity as a Jew and his relationship to his religion with his role as a soldier. Set against the backdrop of the infamous Babi Yar Massacre (September 29-30, 1941, Ukraine), Felix’s story provides a lens into a rarely told history. This presentation will use “The Weight of a Star” as a case study to argue that historical fiction isn’t just a way to make history more accessible and readable––it is a genuine, valuable tool for teaching its hardest, most contradictory truths. This project began as a final project for Riley’s M.A. in Public History at Royal Holloway, University of London, and has since been sponsored and/or promoted by: The Wiener Holocaust Library, The Association for Jewish Refugees, The Jewish Museum London, JW3, and The Holocaust Research Institute. Bio : Riley Neubauer is a London- and New York-based Public Historian. She currently serves as the Executive Editor of History That Doesn’t Suck Podcast ( HTDS ) . HTDS is an academically researched, story-driven survey of American History from the nation’s founding to, eventually, the present. One of her episodes—Episode 185: “The Early Holocaust: From the ‘Jewish Question’ to Kristallnacht”—was nominated for a 2026 Webby Award in the History Podcast category. Riley holds an M.A. in Public History from Royal Holloway, University of London, and a B.A. in History, Public History & Material Culture, and Judaic Studies from the College of William & Mary. You can follow her work on instagram @RileyMNeubauer or see her portfolio online at RileyNeubauer.com . Venue: Sambrook's Brewery 1 Bellwether Ln, London SW18 1UD Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds up to 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.