Remembering the Holocaust

Pupils from across South Lanarkshire came together to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day last week.

St John Ogilvie High, Calderside Academy and Robert Smillie Memorial Primary were among the schools at the event.

This year’s theme was ‘stand Together’ and it encouraged those gathered to reflect on how the enforced loss of a safe place to call ‘home’ is part of the trauma faced by anyone experiencing persecution and genocide.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Education Resources Committee, Councillor Katy Loudon, said: “i would like to thank everyone who participated in what was a truly thought-provoking, memorable and emotional tribute.

“Throughout the evening, pupils from across South Lanarkshire gave stunning and inspirational performances which captured well the theme of ‘stand Together’.

“The programme included drama, dance, poetry, readings, song and reflections of pupils who participated in the ‘lessons from Auschwitz’ programme. The time will soon come when there are no more survivors of the Holocaust left to share their experiences directly.

“By standing together, we can help ensure that their legacy can be a society that is more equal, compassionate and free.”

The council’s head of education, Stewart Nicolson, said:“the message from the pupils was a powerful one and I am tremendously proud of them, for the skills and talents they so ably demonstrated – and for their respectful memory of those who lost their lives, their families and their futures because of the Holocaust.”

The evening came to a close with a moving candle-lighting ceremony led by guest of honour Rabbi Mendel Jacobs.