Commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day with Reverence in Bury
Young individuals, religious leaders, and survivors came together in a special ceremony in Bury to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. This annual event, now in its 22nd year in Bury, pays tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides, while also providing a platform for those who have lived through such horrific acts to share their experiences.
This Saturday signifies the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and serves as a reminder of the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘The Fragility of Freedom’, aiming to encourage individuals to reflect on the gradual erosion of freedom over time. It sheds light on the tactics employed by oppressors to target individuals, communities, and means of expression in order to stifle dissent and prevent any form of challenge.
The Bury service, which took place last night at Bury Town Hall, was led by the esteemed Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley. During the service, the mayor emphasized the significance of personal freedoms and the historical instances where ordinary people had their freedoms stripped away by others. She stressed the importance of safeguarding and nurturing freedom, ensuring that conditions are not conducive to its erosion.
Attendees had the privilege of hearing firsthand testimony from Holocaust survivor Ike Alterman BEM. The lighting of memorial candles and the signing of a commitment statement by dignitaries added to the solemnity of the occasion. Bury Music Service provided the musical accompaniment, while pupils from various Bury schools, including Unsworth, Woodhey, Elton, Derby, Elms Bank, Hazelwood, and Bury Grammar, delivered readings and tributes.
Councillor Richard Gold, who is responsible for finance and communities, expressed the need to bring people of all faiths together in Bury, fostering a sense of understanding and unity. This diverse community serves as a reminder that freedom should be cherished and protected.
Press release issued: 26th January 2024.
