Schoolchildren join global commemorations on Holocaust Memorial Day
Events are taking place in Wirral and around the world today (27 January) to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland.
The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Cherry Povall JP, joined students at Wirral Hospitals’ School in Claughton to hear their reflections on the holocaust and other more recent genocides, before planting a tree to provide a lasting reminder of the day.
The Mayor said:
The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘For A Better Future’ which encourages people to come together, learn from - and about - the past, and take actions to make a better future for all.
It was fitting that we were able to do some of that this morning and I would encourage everyone to take a moment today to remember all those who were lost or have suffered through genocide.
During the event the Mayor read The Holocaust Memorial Day prayer, which was written in 2020 The Archbishop of Canterbury, Chief Rabbi and Senior Imam Qari Asim, for use by people of any faith.
A memorial candle was then lit, which was followed by a moment’s silence for personal reflection.
Earlier in the day, students discussed the need for Holocaust Memorial Day and wrote their personal thoughts down on cards to represent the traditional Yahrzeit or memorial candle, which were then hung on the branches of the newly-planted tree.
For more information about this year’s commemorations, or to access a huge range of learning resources, visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website.
