2 weeks Ago
Thousands of people attended events across Lowestoft to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The events on Monday were organised by the Lowestoft Town Council and supported by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. This year’s commemorations were the largest yet, with contributions from Professor Lawrence Goldman of Norwich Synagogue, several schools, and music from Da Marjanbo, a Hebrew instrumental band.
Read more: Inquest for former merchant navyman from Newmarket, Terence Froggatt Two students paying their respects (Image: Lowestoft Town Council) A spokesperson for Lowestoft Town Council said: "Lowestoft Town Council would like to thank everyone who came along and contributed to our Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations. "This is a significant event in our calendar that has grown since the town council started leading the event eight years ago. "We are very pleased with the turnout this year as we expanded our number of events to give more opportunities for local people to gather and reflect.
" The main event took place at East Coast Cinema, where Prof Goldman shared the story of Miriam, a relative who escaped from Poland to Jamaica due to the persecution of Jewish people in Auschwitz. The event then moved to Lowestoft railway station, where reflections and poems were read, and wreaths were laid to remember Lowestoft’s link to the Kindertransport. In the afternoon, Kensington Gardens hosted an event where Red Oak Primary School children read out personal reflections and placed 80 decorative candles around the Holocaust Memorial flower bed.
Candles made by primary school students (Image: Lowestoft Town Council) Mayor and councillor Nasima Begum expressed thanks to all who had attended, adding: "The town council has worked hard to make the day as inclusive as possible to all, specifically inviting members of the Jewish community to take leading roles in the day’s events. "As usual, the town council welcomes comments and will build these into the planning of future events." The day ended with the 'Light the Darkness' campaign, where people were encouraged to light a candle and place it in their window at 8pm.
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