Trafford community stands together for Holocaust Memorial Day


School children, community leaders and religious leaders came together in Trafford for a Holocaust Memorial event.

The event, at Sale Waterside, saw film footage of Sam Walshaw, a survivor of the Holocaust, while pupils from Lostock High School gave moving stories about how they have come from other countries to be part of the community in Trafford.

There were also songs by Simply Voices and Springfield Primary School Choir, poetry reflections by Flixton Girls School and prayers. Three candles of remembrance were also lit – for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, for all other victims of the Holocaust and for victims or all other genocides.

This year’s theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is Stand Together and, at the event, Trafford Mayor Cllr Rob Chilton called on the people of Trafford to lead the way in being a welcoming community.

He said:

We must all stand together wherever we see people in our communities targeted solely for being different whether as a result of racism, sexism, homophobia or disability.

All generations need to be aware that these appalling events happened, the importance of community cohesion, and the consequences that racism and racist language can lead to.  I am therefore pleased to see so many young people in our audience and participating in this event.”

Cllr Jane Slater, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities, gave the closing remarks.

She said:

It was a really moving event, with some amazing contributions from young people here in Trafford. They, their parents and their teachers deserve a lot of praise for the way they helped commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

For me, the best way to commemorate the Holocaust and this year’s theme is to never forget, never shrink for pointing out injustice and to stand up for victims who need us to stand up for them.”

Posted on Monday 3rd February 2020