Children have been taking part in Holocaust education workshops Pic: Lewisham Council
Around 500 people attended a special commemorative event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in Lewisham on Sunday, January 27. It is thought to be the biggest event of its kind in South London.
Representatives of different religions spoke at the service, including Reverend David Rome of Catford and Bromley United Synagogue, Sheila Gewold, Senior Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, as well as speakers from Christian, Sikh and Muslim faith groups.
The London Cantorial Choir sang a number of songs to commemorate the event.
London Cantorial Singers Pic: Lewisham Council
Lewisham Mayor Damien Egan hosted the event. He thanked everyone involved in the service, particularly the children who put on performances based on what they had learnt in Holocaust education workshops.
“Holocaust education plays an important role in ensuring the atrocities of the past are never forgotten or repeated,” he said.
Sheila Gewolb, Senior Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: “I was honoured to be asked to speak at this wonderful, and well-attended service. I was particularly pleased to see so many children there. As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, it is so important we educate the next generation about the most horrific genocide in history.”
Another Holocaust Memorial ceremony will be held at Goldsmiths, University of London, on Tuesday, 29th of January, from 11:00 to 13:00.
