Holocaust Memorial Day marked by Three Rivers students

Students from Three Rivers District are participating in a unique programme hosted by local synagogues, to mark Holocaust Memorial Day between 28 January – 6 February 2020.

The Council shared links to stories from the Holocaust and genocides on January 27 to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day.

Northwood Holocaust Memorial Day Events sessions coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day, the national day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust and of other genocides. The events are organised by a large team of volunteers and they provide support, consultation & training.

Sara Bedford, Leader of the Council said: “The Holocaust was a dark time in human history. We must commemorate the six million Jewish lives lost the others murdered by the Nazis and the millions killed in genocides before and since. It is vital that we all work together to eradicate fear and hatred.”

Young people get to meet a Holocaust survivor and/or one of their descendants. They hear their testimony and work in small groups with trained facilitators to explore the relationship between the past and key issues that they face today such as racism, bullying and discrimination. The sessions end with closing reflections from each synagogue’s rabbi and the lighting of a memorial candle.

Andy Stovold, Head of Community Partnerships added: “It is fantastic to see diverse communities come together to mark the Holocaust Memorial Day. We mark this occasion by reflecting on the millions killed during the holocaust and in subsequent genocides. We are committed to standing up against any form of hatred and prejudice in all its forms.”

At the Closing Ceremony on 6 February, Holocaust survivor, Hannah Lewis, will talk about her experience growing up in Poland and her survival of the atrocities of the Nazi occupation during the Second World War.

Ian Austin, MP, is the guest speaker. He is a leading figure in the fight against antisemitism and his father was a Holocaust survivor.