Residents invited to mark Holocaust Memorial Day Service

On Monday 27 January, North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) is holding a Holocaust Memorial Day service at Howard Park and Gardens, Letchworth. All are welcome to attend.

Holocaust Memorial Day is an annual event for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.  This year’s event marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

The commemorative service will commence at 11am at Howard Park.  Rabbi Alan Garber from Shenley United Synagogue will lead the service and representatives from North Herts Interfaith Forum (NHIFF) will also share some words.

John Gohorry, a Letchworth based poet, will read a poem he has written especially for the event, entitled ‘Stand Together’.

Prior to the event NHDC organised a poetry competition for children at local primary schools, inviting children to write a poem on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trusts 2020  theme ‘Stand Together’. The winner will be announced at the service and they will have the opportunity to read their poem.

Cllr Judi Billing, Executive Member for Community Engagement, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity for everyone to pause, reflect and learn lessons from the past and apply them to our lives today, to help create a safer, better future. I hope as many people as possible will join us in this act of remembrance on Monday 27 January”.

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day, please visit: www.hmd.org.uk