Holocaust marked with tributes and reflections

By Victoria Roberts

Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 drew not just the normal gathering at the War Memorial but included an organised event at The Amelia, allowing guests to reflect on the genocides which are commemorated on this day.

The Day was given the theme ‘Ordinary People’ in recognition of both the ordinary people who have colluded in genocide and those who rescued, helped and supported others.

It commemorates all the victims of the Holocaust and of more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

During the formal ceremony last Friday, some 70 people gathered to hear local organiser Anne Krisman Goldstein, speaking on the Ordinary People theme.

A full themed programme at The Amelia revealed many connections between Tunbridge Wells and the horrors of war.

Cllr Alain Lewis paid tribute to French railway worker Marcel Hoffmann, who saved 41 Jewish people. Southborough is twinned with Lille suburb Lambersart.

refugee

Erica’s grandparents were among some 96 family members murdered in or on their way to the concentration camps, and Erica herself had been in the same kindergarten class as Anne Frank, a distant cousin.

Poet Sonia Lawrence read her poem ‘One Day’, composed for last year’s commemoration.