District Council commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day with remembrance service

Holocaust Memorial Day, marked nationally on 27 January, commemorates the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others who suffered under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Each year, the day encourages people to learn more about the past, empathise with those affected by persecution today, and work collectively for a better, more compassionate future.

This year’s theme is ‘Bridging Generations’: a reminder that the responsibility of remembrance doesn’t end with the survivors. It encourages us all to engage actively with the past – to listen, to learn and to carry those lessons forward.

In June 2021, the statue of Polish humanitarian hero Irena Sendler was unveiled at Newark’s Fountain Gardens on London Road. During the Second World War, Irena Sendler, worked tirelessly to help protect and rescue many Jewish children and their families in German-occupied Poland. She was part of a network of workers and volunteers who smuggled Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto, saving those children from the Holocaust.

Today’s ceremony provided an opportunity for local residents, dignitaries, and community representatives to pay tribute to the victims of genocide. Wreaths were laid by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Air Chief Marshal Rt’d Sir Andrew Pulford, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester Ireneusz Truszkowski, Newark and Sherwood District Council Chair Councillor Linda Tift, and Newark Town Mayor Councillor Barbara Corrigan.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Air Chief Marshal Rt’d Sir Andrew Pulford said: “At a time when the world appears more dangerous and unpredictable than ever, it is vital we spend time to remember the evils of the past and the incredible courage of those who gave so much to defend peace, freedom and humanity. It is an honour to lay the Lord Lieutenant's wreath today, Holocaust Memorial Day, in memory of Irena Sendler, a shining light in a sea of darkness and an example to us all of the need to stand up to tyranny in all of its forms.”

Consul General of the Republic of Poland Ireneusz Truszkowski said :“As we honour the victims of the Holocaust, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to uphold human dignity, to speak out against hatred wherever it appears, and to ensure that the lessons of history are neither forgotten nor ignored. Standing here beside the statue of Irena Sendler, we are reminded that history is shaped not only by those who commit evil, but also by those who find the courage to resist it.”

Councillor Linda Tift, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is a great honour to lay a wreath for such an important day on behalf of Newark and Sherwood District Council. Holocaust Memorial Day is an important moment for us to pause and reflect and to remember those who suffered such unimaginable horror. Coming together in this simple act of remembrance helps ensure that their stories remain part of our shared history, and that we continue to learn from the past.”

Mayor of Newark Councillor Barbara Corrigan said : “It is a privilege for me to be part of this annual service in my role this year as Mayor of Newark. It is incredibly humbling to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day in paying respect to the incredible bravery, courage and determination that was shown by Irena Sendler in rescuing Jewish children from German occupied Warsaw. Her statue stands as a noble reminder of what people are capable of in the most terrifying situations. Newark has a proud relationship with our Polish allies and there could be no better symbol of Newark’s deep gratitude for the contribution of Polish allies to the war efforts than the statue of Irena Sendler. At a time where global tensions seem to dominate our daily news feeds Irena’s story is a timely reminded that amidst conflict humanity will still prevail."