Remember together as one

FOR THE past two years, the national Yom HaShoah ceremony was online, due to Covid — but more families than ever before marked the day from home. With restrictions eased, we wanted to return to a physical ceremony, but didn’t want to lose the audience online.

It was also vital to involve those survivors and refugees who are able to gather in person, so we are honoured that Jewish Care, home of the Holocaust Survivors’ Centre, has agreed to be the main base for our national live broadcast*. The studio will host choristers, musicians, speakers and, most importantly, testimony from survivors and refugees. You can also be part of the ceremony, by signing up for our live interactive candle lighting.

The YHUK committee, including the late Carol Hart MBE, has ensured our day to remember has become a firm fixture. However, we need to ensure the baton is passed with confidence to the next generation. This year will see the launch of our Legacy of the Holocaust initiative, in which 200 commemorative boards will be installed in synagogues, schools and community buildings as a reminder “to remember, to tell and to never forget”. Information on how to receive a free legacy board will be announced at the ceremony. We look forward to your joining us next week as we gather online. Together we will remember the past, honour the memory and shape the future.

Neil Martin is chair of Yom HaShoah UK. * Watch the ceremony online, on April 27 at 7.30pm, at YomHaShoah.org.uk, on YouTube and all social media channels