Hackney marks Holocaust Memorial Day

A ceremony to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day has been held at Hackney Town Hall to mark the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945.

The ceremony was also aimed at remembering the victims of more recent genocides and discrimination.

It was led by the Speaker of Hackney, Councillor Faizullah Khan.

He said: "Holocaust Memorial Day provides a focus to think about the continuing repercussions of the Holocaust, more recent genocides and the issue of exclusion within our society.

"It is intended to encourage everyone to remember the victims of the Holocaust, of all Nazi racial and social persecution, more recent genocides, and of discrimination and hate crimes in Britain today."

The Speaker added: "Peace is what is needed for our world now.

“Peace which accepts that we live in a diverse community and it is that very diversity that is actually our strength.

"Living side by side with our neighbours, in peace and respect. That is the challenge for us in Hackney, and I hope that those here will agree that there are signs we are meeting that challenge."

The Simon Marks Jewish Primary School choir sang during the ceremony and read a prayer.

Young people from The Petchey Academy, Skinners' Company's School for Girls, and Hackney Free and Parochial Church of England School shared their experiences of encountering the memorial of the Holocaust at Auschwitz and their involvement with the Anne Frank exhibition.

Representatives from the political parties represented in the Council attended to make a public statement of commitment to say "never again" to the Holocaust and all such genocide.

Students from Hackney Free & Parochial School also joined in making the statement.

A memorial candle was lit before two minutes' silence was held for reflection.

Following the ceremony, the Speaker placed a floral tribute next to the Holocaust memorial plaque in the Town Hall square.

The Anne Frank Exhibition, brought direct from Amsterdam, was on display in the Town Hall.

The exhibition tells the story of Anne Frank and her family, and challenges visitors to think about tolerance, human rights and democracy.