More than 400 people came together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day at an event in Eastbourne last week.
The gathering was held at the Welcome Building, next to the Congress Theatre, and organised by Eastbourne Borough Council in partnership with the local community.
The theme for this year’s event, that marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia, was Stand Together.
Dorit Oliver-Wolff, recipient of the British Empire Medal, spoke about her childhood experience of avoiding capture by the Nazis and why it is so important that people stand together and speak out against divisive propaganda and marginalisation of vulnerable groups.
There were also witness testimonials from the genocide in Bosnia, poetry and music from the international voice orchestra.
Carolyn Heaps, Faiths Champion for Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “It is poignant that just 50 years after the world declared “never again”, genocide happened on European soil in Bosnia. It is so important that we mark Holocaust Memorial Day to ensure that these horrendous crimes are never forgotten, ignored, nor repeated.”
Those who attended the event included Deputy Lieutenant John Smith JP, the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Steve Wallis, Chairman of Lewes District Council, Councillor Stephen Gauntlett, Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell, Chairman of East Sussex County Council, Councillor David Elkin, and students from Bede’s School.
Pictured above (left to right): Carolyn Heaps (Faiths Champion, Eastbourne Borough Council), Councillor Stephen Gauntlett (Chairman of Lewes District Council), Dorit Oliver-Wolff (British Empire Medal recipient), Deputy Lieutenant Mr John Smith JP, Caroline Ansell (MP for Eastbourne & Willingdon), The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Steve Wallis, Mayor’s Consort, Deputy Lieutenant Consort, Mrs Sandra Elkin and Councillor David Elkin (Chairman of East Sussex County Council)
Published on 30 January, 2020
