Soviet soldiers liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau on 27th January 1945. They found several thousand emaciated survivors and the smouldering remains of the gas chambers and crematoria – the Nazi attempt to destroy evidence of their crimes against humanity. Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest Nazi killing camp, murdering approximately 1.1 million men, women and children.

Auschwitz-Birkenau has become a symbol of the horror of industrialised murder, and what can happen when hatred is left unchecked.

It is on the anniversary of the liberation of the camp that we commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, and take time to reflect on where we are now. We remember the victims of Nazi persecution and murder, and those killed in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Let us never forget to protect ourselves from the evil that is fascism in all its forms.
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The theme for Holocaust Memorial Events in 2010 is Legacy of Hope. Lewisham residents, faith groups, primary school and secondary school pupils will take part in a range of events to mark the borough’s remembrance of all atrocities and genocides.
 
Evenings of drama, poetry and readings

From Monday 18 to Friday 22 January at 7.30pm in the Broadway Studio, young people from Lewisham primary and secondary schools will host an evening of drama, poetry readings and monologues based on this year’s theme.

Multi-faith service

Catford Synagogue, Crantock Road, SE6 2QT
On Saturday 23 January at 12noon, a multi-faith service will take place at Catford Synagogue on Crantock Road. Tickets for this service are free and can be obtained by calling 020 8314 8636.

Young people’s theatre production

Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, SE6 4RU
Sunday 24 January, is the culmination of the Lewisham commemoration. There will be a rededication of the Tree of Hope in the grounds of the Town Hall at 2.30pm. Then at 3pm at the Broadway Theatre there will be performances by Lewisham primary and secondary school pupils.
Tickets to all performances are free and are available from the theatre box office on 020 8690 0002.
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