Telford & Wrekin Council marks Holocaust Memorial Day with ceremony

Telford & Wrekin Council's Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony brought together residents, civic leaders, and young people in a powerful act of remembrance and reflection, honouring the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust and all victims of subsequent genocides.

The ceremony embraced this year's national theme "Bridging Generations," demonstrating how communities can learn from the past to build a more compassionate future.

The event featured deeply moving presentations that connected personal stories of survival with contemporary lessons for today's generation. Cathy Landau, a member of the local Jewish community, shared reflections on the enduring importance of remembrance and the role it plays in fostering understanding and resilience across generations.

Gloria Silver delivered a powerful testimony about her father, Tony Chuwen, a Holocaust survivor whose experiences continue to educate and inspire. Speaking after the event, Gloria said: "Sharing my father's story of survival is both a privilege and a responsibility.

“Seeing the community come together to remember and learn gives me hope that his experiences, and those of all survivors, will continue to guide us toward a more tolerant world.

“Events like this ensure that the voices of survivors are never forgotten and that future generations understand why we must always stand against hatred.

“I am truly blown away by the schools I have visited and the ceremony today. The work of the Local Authority has been fantastic, and I am appreciative of the space I have been given to be part of this moving commemoration.”

Local schools played a central role in the ceremony, showcasing the vital work being done to educate young people about the Holocaust and all genocides. Students from Charlton School and Haberdashers' Abraham Darby presented their learning and reflections on how understanding these historical atrocities shapes their worldview and responsibility to others.

Ollie from Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby School said: "Learning about the Holocaust has taught us that silence in the face of injustice is never an option.

“We have a responsibility to speak up, to be kind, and to make sure that what happened in the past never happens again.

“Today's ceremony has shown us how important it is to listen to survivors' stories and to bridge the gap between generations through understanding and respect."

Pupils from Charlton School commented they were grateful to be a part of something so moving and to help spread awareness to other young people their age.

The civic ceremony included addresses from senior Council leadership and a solemn candle lighting, allowing the community to reflect together on the enduring importance of remembrance. Each flame served as a symbol of hope and a commitment to challenge prejudice in all its forms.

Adding to the visible act of remembrance, Southwater One was illuminated in purple, the colour of Holocaust Memorial Day, creating a beacon of solidarity and reflection visible across Telford.

Cllr Paul Davis, Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Pride, said: "I am deeply proud of how our community came together for Holocaust Memorial Day.

“The courage of survivors like Tony Chuwen and families like Cathy Landau's in sharing their stories ensures these vital lessons are passed to new generations.

“Our young people's engagement and commitment to understanding these difficult histories gives me great hope for the future. By bridging generations through education and remembrance, we strengthen our shared values of tolerance, dignity, and respect for all."

The ceremony provided a space for the community to reaffirm its collective responsibility to stand against hatred, discrimination, and persecution in all forms, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides continue to guide actions today.