Survivor’s Heartbreaking Testimony at Romford Holocaust Memorial Day Leaves Community Moved.

A special and deeply moving service was held in Romford yesterday, Sunday 25 January, to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day, bringing together councillors, residents and members of the Jewish community at a time when antisemitism remains a growing concern across London and beyond.

The service was led by Deputy Mayor Councillor Barry Mugglestone and reflected this year’s national theme, Bridging Generations, which focuses on passing the lessons of the Holocaust from survivors to future generations to ensure the horrors of the past are never forgotten.

Charlie Keeble told the Havering Daily:
“It was a sombre and moving service on a drab, cold, grey day. I have faced off against Jew hatred in public these last two years on the streets of London with counter demonstrations. This year’s theme is bridging generations and I can see from this theme, as I have also seen in combatting antisemitism, that there is now a broken chain between the two generations caused by a dysfunctional relationship between the generation gaps. This explains why modern day anti-racism activists are so defective and lay into Jews because they decided that harmony was worthless and grievance hustling is useful for power over minorities. We need to restore harmony and live for mutual advantages with one another.”

The event was described by attendees as poignant and reflective, with particular emphasis placed on survivor testimony and remembrance.

Councillor Stephanie Nunn, who also attended the service, told the Havering Daily:
“Today we heard from a Holocaust survivor, a remarkable woman called Annick Lever, who was a baby just two months old living in France when she was taken in a cattle truck to a concentration camp. Many years later she learned that her mother had been shot on the truck and she was subsequently cared for by her godmother. Her testimony is one I will never forget, how Jewish people had to pay for the yellow stars they had to wear from the age of seven and the terrible inhumanity that was shown to them.”

The service served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, education and solidarity, particularly at a time when many within the Jewish community say they feel increasingly fearful in everyday life.

As the borough paused to reflect, the message of the day was clear: remembering the past is not just about history, but about protecting the future by challenging hatred, restoring understanding between generations and standing together against antisemitism and all forms of racism.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.