Residents, dignitaries and faith leaders from across the borough gathered in Clifton Park for an event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Thursday 25 January 2024.
The event included a range of speeches, readings and songs, which focused around this year’s theme, Fragility of Freedom.
Amongst the guests were the Mayor of Rotherham, Rabbi Yonosan Golomb from the United Synagogue Sheffield, Reverend Phil Batchford, and Cllr Saghir Alam who was representing Rotherham Council of Mosques. Pupils from Eastwood Village Primary School and St. Bernard’s Catholic High School performed a series of songs throughout the event.
Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “This is always a special event and provided us with an opportunity to reflect and remember the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust and other genocides.
“It was encouraging to see so many residents at the event in Clifton Park. I would like to thank all those who did attend to pay their respects and take part in proceedings.”
Holocaust Memorial Day is an annual day of remembrance on 27 January - the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year’s theme reflects on the ‘Fragility of Freedom’ and how freedom is both fragile and vulnerable to abuse.
Freedom is something we all enjoy and often take for granted, however, those who are persecuted often find their most basic of freedoms revoked. This can include limiting people’s ability to practice their religion, targeting those who express certain views or voice their concerns. Even the freedom to live, move around freely and have a family can be threatened.
Residents can find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day by going online to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website.