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This coming Friday is ‘Holocaust Memorial Day’ which has been running since 2001, and marks the remembrance of the deaths of over 6 million people of the Jewish Community.
  Once again, a Memorial Ceremony will be held at the Civic Centre (by Southend Library) this Sunday 29th, and is open to all who wish to attend.
  This ceremony has been described as “beautiful yet moving”  by attendees in previous years, and will feature music sung by The Southend Choirs, poetry readings, and an address from the survivor of Bergen-Belsen and Auschwitz, Mrs. Anita Lasker-Wallfisch.
  Music such as the haunting ‘Ani-Ma’amin’ will be performed. This traditional Jewish song was passed by word
of mouth down the ‘cattle cars’ while
hundreds of Jews were taken to their death.
The song, translated as ‘I believe’ gave many
peace and hope during their last moments,
right up to their arrival at the gas chambers.
  Claire Waterworth will also be reading out “First they came…” which will be accompanied by singing from the choirs, violinists and pianists. This famous poem by Pastor Niemoller has been chosen specifically for the 2012 Memorial Day Campaign: 'Speak Up, Speak Out' which urges the population not to stay silent in the form of any human suffering.
  This will be one of the many events that will be held in Southend to remember the survivors, victims and their families. On Friday, Councillor David Norman will plant a tree to commemorate the millions of lives lost.
  However, it is intended to be a soulful, yet uplifting service - one that will bring hope to its audience. Southend will take this time to pay their respects to those who passed away, in the hope that remembering will help us prevent similar tragedies.
  The service is from 3pm-5pm and people will take time to reflect not only on the Holocaust victims, but also on any who have suffered at the hands of more recent genocides.
  Refreshments will be served afterwards for anybody who would like to attend this service.

  Nikki Acquah