The Mayor of London, and Chair of the London
Assembly, OBE AM joined Jewish
community leaders, Holocaust survivors and survivors of the
Bosnian genocide for a service at City Hall today, ahead of
Holocaust Memorial Day.
The service marked Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January) as
well as the 75th anniversary of the liberation of
Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 25th anniversary of the Genocide in
Bosnia.
It reflected this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme,
‘Stand Together’, and guests were invited to reflect on the
damage caused by the divisive tactics of genocidal regimes
throughout history. They were further challenged to consider how
these tactics might be overcome; whether by speaking out against
oppression or by individuals and neighbours standing in
solidarity with marginalised communities.
The event was led by Chair of the London Assembly,
OBE, AM with Rabbi Marcus
MBE, Emeritus Rabbi of Central Synagogue providing the main
address. The Mayor read a poem entitled ‘Toys’ by Abraham
Sutzkever while musical contributions were from string duo Fran
and Flora. The ceremony also featured testimonies from London
schoolchildren who read the Holocaust Memorial Day Statement of
Commitment.
The Mayor last week announced a £300,000 grant to the
Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation in Poland to ensure that the
horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten. The funds will help
preserve the ruins of gas chambers and crematoria so that future
generations of Londoners and visitors from around the world can
learn for themselves the truth about what took place. The Mayor’s
contribution came ahead of his visit to Poland later this month
to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of the
camp.
The Mayor of London, ,
said: “London’s diversity is its
greatest strength, but with a worrying rise in anti-Semitism at
home and abroad, this year’s theme, ‘Standing Together’ could not
be more apt.
"Progress in opposing hatred and promoting equality must
never be taken for granted. That’s why it’s ever more important
that we hear survivors’ stories and remember the horrors of the
death camps and the millions who died.
“As we mark 75 years since the liberation of
Auschwitz-Birkenau, I encourage Londoners of all backgrounds to
stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, remembering the
six million Jewish lives that were lost during the Holocaust as
well as victims and survivors of genocides across the world. Only
by standing together can we ensure it never happens
again.”
OBE AM, Chair of the London
Assembly said: “This year’s Holocaust
Memorial Day theme is ‘Stand Together’. Division and hate divide
people and the painful truth is that there is increasing division
in our society. It is by standing together we challenge racism
and oppression and face down the haters. Now, more than ever, we
must unite to challenge division and hostility in our
communities.”
Olivia Marks-Woldman, Chief Executive, the Holocaust
Memorial Day Trust said: “As people come
together across the UK to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2020, and
the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, I am pleased
to see the Mayor of London and the London Assembly making a
strong commitment to remembering the six million Jews murdered
during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others killed
under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in
Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
“The event at City Hall will be one of more than 10,000
taking place in diverse settings across the country – where
people will explore the theme of Stand Together.
“At the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust we are pleased to see
people learning lessons from genocide, for a better future –
particularly at a time when rising antisemitism, anti-Muslim hate
and other forms of identity-based prejudice are causing real
damage across society.”
Olivia Marks-Woldman, Chief Executive, Holocaust
Memorial Day Trust, said: “As people
come together across the UK to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2020,
and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, I am
pleased to see the Mayor of London and the London Assembly making
a strong commitment to remembering the six million Jews murdered
during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others killed
under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in
Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
“The event at City Hall will be one of more than 10,000
taking place in diverse settings across the country – where
people will explore the theme of Stand Together.
“At the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust we are pleased to see
people learning lessons from genocide, for a better future –
particularly at a time when rising antisemitism, anti-Muslim hate
and other forms of identity-based prejudice are causing real
damage across society.”
