“We must remember the 6 million men, women and children who perished during the war”, are the words of Holocaust Survivor Janine Webber BEM, who has been encouraging people to “stand up to hatred and prejudice”.
Janine was just one of the people who joined Bushey United Synagogue in celebrating its annual Yom Ha Shoah on Wednesday, April 23.
Over 45 dignitaries came along, including Sir Oliver Dowden CBE MP, the Leader, Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Hertsmere Borough Council and many other councillors.
They were also joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire along with his deputy representing His Majesty King Charles.
Many leaders of other faiths were also present to honour the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of the Holocaust.
The evening consisted of prayer, reflection and song, but a spokesperson said the “highlight” was hearing from Janine Webber who told her story in conversation with Robert Voss, who himself lost his grandparents and 61 family members to Nazi atrocities.
Michael Bibring, chair of Bushey’s Yom HaShoah committee, said: “I am so proud that we managed to hold such a poignant commemoration once again.
“Not only did we have a packed audience to hear from the incredible Janine, but for the first time we held a parallel youth event where nearly 30 young people saw a background film of the Holocaust and then had the opportunity to meet Janine personally before hearing her testimony.”
Sir Oliver MP observed: “This day is not only a sombre reflection on the atrocities of the past but also a call to action. It is a reminder that we must stand against hate, intolerance, and bigotry in all forms, and I vow as MP for Hertsmere to continue to fight against it.”
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