Generations join forces for Holocaust memorial service

The generations came together at Jarrow Town Hall, yesterday, to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The service, led by Reverend Roy Merrin, aimed to remind each new generation of one of the world’s worst atrocities, in the hope it will never happen again.

Speakers, Coun Alan Smith, deputy Mayor of South Tyneside, Jackie Sandford from Christ Church and Shobha Srivastava from the Racial Equality Forum took to the stand to give readings based on the Holocaust.

This year’s theme was Don’t Stand By, and also featured a presentation from students at Jarrow School.

The service was followed by the lighting of six candles representing the six genocides that have occurred; the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun Richard Porthouse, said: “Our service was a special event, as the community came together to remember all the people around the world who have been affected by atrocities through the decades.

“It was rewarding to see so many people across the borough, young and old, unite to take a stand and join in the global event.”

Pupils from Jarrow Cross C of E Primary School took part in the tradition of leaving messages on a tree of life and making a pledge based on this year’s theme.

Holocaust Memorial Day is a global event of remembrance for the millions of people killed in the Holocaust and other genocides.

It is an opportunity to commemorate the victims, honour the survivors and to pledge that these atrocities never happen again.