This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme, ‘The Power of
Words’, is a reminder of how words can make a difference –
both for good and for evil. From propaganda that incites hatred,
or slogans written in resistance, through to poignant memoirs of
the victims and survivors of genocide.
Reflecting this year’s theme, the Mayor read an excerpt from The
Diary of Anne Frank. In the passage, Anne describes her dream of
becoming a writer, so that she can “go on living even after my
death”.
Rabbi Joseph Dweck addressed the audience and performed a
Memorial Prayer. OBE AM, Chair of the London
Assembly, opened the event.
The Mayor of London, said: “On National
Holocaust Memorial Day, it is vital that we all take time to hear
the accounts of Jewish survivors and refugees who went through
unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust.
“As the years pass, and as we have fewer survivors to pass on
their extraordinary stories, we must work even harder to ensure
younger generations learn the lessons from history. Last year, I
was privileged to be on the jury which selected the winning
design of the Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre. It was an
incredibly moving experience, and I know the new memorial will
help to teach future generations about the fragility of peace,
and where hatred and division can lead if left
unchecked.
“The Holocaust was one of the very darkest times in human
history. Today, we take time to remember the six million Jewish
lives cut short, as well as the millions killed in subsequent
genocides, and we commit to strengthening our resolve to fight
hatred and intolerance in all its forms.”
Chair of the London Assembly, OBE AM,
said: “This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme is
‘The Power of Words’ and it seems timely to remind ourselves that
there isn’t always a word for everything. Some events can
leave you speechless – the Holocaust is one such event – as are
the other subsequent genocides. But we must find words to
express our disgust, dismay and determination never to let such
events happen again. We must find the words to pass on to future
generations – to ensure that no one can ever forget.”
Olivia Marks-Woldman, Chief Executive of the Holocaust
Memorial Day Trust, said: “London is home to
approximately 1,000 local activities taking place this year to
mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD). From the LGBT community in
Islington, to a Roma Youth Orchestra in Newham, and from Harrow’s
Interfaith Council, to libraries in Brixton, it is fantastic to
see the city’s diverse communities coming together to mark HMD
2018.
“Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is delighted to once again support
City Hall’s own HMD event.”
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust
Educational Trust, said: Today, we came together to
remember the Holocaust - the darkest chapter in our shared
history, where six million men, women and children were murdered,
simply for being Jewish. As we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, we
remember all victims of Nazi persecution and subsequent
genocides, and are reminded that sadly, antisemitism, racism and
prejudice still exist in our society. Hateful words have an
impact, but so too does speaking out against them and today, we
must recommit to always doing so, wherever hatred is found. We
must treasure the precious testimony of Holocaust survivors, and
pledge to always remember their stories.”
Those gathered also heard emotional accounts from Holocaust
survivor Manfred Goldberg, and from Kemal Pervanic, who survived
the genocide in Bosnia in the early 1990s.
The ceremony featured London schoolchildren, who presented their
experiences from the Lessons from Auschwitz project, delivered by
the Holocaust Educational Trust, and music by Francesca Ter-Berg
and Carol Isaacs, courtesy of the Jewish Music Institute.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
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Manfred Goldberg’s biography can be
viewed here: https://www.het.org.uk/survivors-manfred-goldberg
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Kemal Pervanic’s biography can be viewed
here: http://hmd.org.uk/resources/stories/kemal-pervanic-hidden-histories
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Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) is
the charity, established by the Government, which promotes and
supports Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK. HMDT encourages and
inspires individuals and organisations across the UK to play
their part in learning lessons from the past to create a safer,
better future. Learn more about HMD and get involved
here: http://hmd.org.uk
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The Holocaust Educational Trust was
founded in 1988 during the passage of the War Crimes Act. Our aim
is to raise awareness and understanding in schools and amongst
the wider public of the Holocaust and its relevance today. We
believe that the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our
nation’s collective memory. We work in schools, colleges and
higher education institutions, providing teacher training
workshops and lectures, as well as teaching aids
and resource materials. For further information
visit www.het.org.uk
