Havering Remembers Holocaust Memorial Day With A Special Service.

On Sunday 26 January in Coronation Gardens, Romford, the Deputy Mayor of Havering, Cllr Sue Ospreay, joined Cllr Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, borough representatives, staff and residents to remember the millions of people killed in genocides across the world. 

Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorated nationally on 27 January, remembers the millions of people who have been murdered, or whose lives were changed beyond recognition due to Nazi persecution and other subsequent genocides, such as those in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

This year’s theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘For a better future’.

At the service, the Deputy Mayor of Havering’s speech reflected on the many things we can all do to create a better future. These include speaking up against Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion, challenge prejudice, and encouraging others to learn about the Holocaust and more recent genocides.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

Deputy Mayor of Havering, Councillor Sue Ospreay, said:

“The service provides the opportunity for Havering to reflect on those who lost their lives and those who survived the terrible events of the Holocaust and other atrocities.

“Holocaust Memorial Day acts as a reminder to never forget these atrocities and that we all have a part to play to ensure a better future where persecution and division never prevail.”

The Member of Parliament for Romford,Andrew Rosindell told the Havering Daily:

“It was a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon in Romford, but deeply moving, as community leaders and members of the public gathered for the Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations at the Coronation Gardens, with the traditional lighting of candles to remember the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides and a pledge to work for a better world, where we can all live in peace and freedom and have respect for a human beings.”

Mr Rosindell presented a special portrait of His Majesty King Charles to the Romford Synagogue.

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