Holocaust Memorial Day event brings together Barnet’s multi-faith community to remember victims

Holocaust survivors attended the event which marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi concentration camp

Middlesex University hosted the annual Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) commemoration which brought together the Barnet borough’s multi-faith community to remember the victims of the Holocaust and genocides throughout the world.

This year’s event, organised by Barnet Council, marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

Speakers included Peter Summerfield BEM, whose family were able to escape Nazi Berlin, just four days before war was declared.

He said, "As the fight against religious and racial intolerance becomes increasingly vital, it is very encouraging to see that Barnet continues to annually commemorate and educate every one of the dangers of racism which led to persecution and to genocide.”

Holocaust survivor Vera Schaufeld MBE lit the memorial candle at the service, alongside JLGB young leaders Becca Silverstone and Sam Rose-Isaacs.

Her childhood began in pre-war Czechoslovakia as was one of the children transported to Britain in 1939 by Sir Nicholas Winton at the age of nine. Though Vera had regular contact with her family after arriving in the UK, she later learned they were killed in concentration camps. After the war was over, Vera went on to train as an English teacher, and continues to share her story at many public events.

 “It’s painful for us to reflect on all the wasted potential, the unfinished work and the lives - young and old – which were so brutally cut short. But as a University and a community, we can take positive action. By embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do, and by cultivating a respectful, tolerant environment, where we behave responsibly towards people and cultures and engage with the civic life of our Borough, I hope we can better equip students to face the challenges of tomorrow – and avoid some of the tragedies of our past.”

Middlesex University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Shân Wareing

The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Tony Vourou said: “Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of the past and the devastating effect the Holocaust and genocide has had on individuals and families across the world, as well as those living in our borough. I am very grateful to Middlesex University for once again hosting this year’s commemoration at this marvellous venue and enabling us to come together to remember and honour their memories. Their stories must be never forgotten.”

The theme for HMD was ‘For a Better Future’, an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all.

Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, Senior Rabbi of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, said: “Hearing the individual stories of the victims of violence, racism and terror should move us to never accept a future that is blighted by the horror that humans can inflict on each other.”

The Leader of Barnet Council, Cllr Barry Rawlings said: “It is vital that we commemorate the Holocaust - the attempt to exterminate the Jewish people, as well as other groups such as the Romani. We also reflect on other atrocities of the past such as the genocides in Bosnia, Darfur, Rwanda, and Cambodia, and the devastating effect this has had on individuals and families across the world. Holocaust Memorial Day is a special day that reminds us of the importance of tolerance, understanding and consideration for others.”

There were musical performances from the Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue Choir, The Alyth SMG Choir and The Barnet Band.

Students from East Barnet School were selected to take part in the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz Project this autumn. Aoife Pearce and Katie Froget attended the commemoration where they spoke of Lessons from Auschwitz and read the Barnet Statement of Commitment.

Snowdrops were handed out at the end of the ceremony by students from Akiva School, as part of Barnet’s project to plant a snowdrop in memory of every one of the 1.5 million children who died in the Holocaust.

Alma Primary School pupils wrote poems which were displayed for attendees to read.

For the first time this year the council livestreamed the service on its YouTube channel.

View livestream recording on YouTube