Holocaust Memorial Day commemorated in Eastbourne

Eastbourne people came together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day with two special events that remembered those who suffered under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides.

Both events, with the theme “Torn from home”, were organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and held at the Tennis Centre in College Road.

During the main event, hosted by Eastbourne Mayor Councillor Gill Mattock, a short film, Five Needles, was shown which retold the plight of Jewish deaf women held prisoners in a Nazi sewing factory.

Marcel Hirshman, Director of DeafCOG, gave a presentation about the Nazi persecution of the Jewish deaf community and told how his own family had been affected by the Holocaust.

Chair of Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community Larry Navon wrote and performed Boat Peoples, a song about refugees fleeing danger in the hope of a better, safer life, and there were performances by The International Voice Orchestra and the retelling of the Belsen Concentration Camp liberation.

The other event was hosted by local author Dorit Oliver-Wolff who told her inspirational life story of bravery and fortitude enabling her to survive the Holocaust.

Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council Councillor David Tutt, Chair of Lewes District Council Councillor Stephen Gauntlett, Chair of East Sussex County Council Councillor Peter Pragnell and Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd attended one or both events.

Cllr Tutt said: “We were delighted that these events were so well attended and that we’ve had such positive feedback from both. It is so important to remember those who have suffered and to learn lessons from the past so we can create a better world for future generations.”

Pictured left to right are: Anna Reid, Chair of Eastbourne Networx, Mayor of Eastbourne Cllr Gill Mattock, Stephen Rosenberg Faiths Forum Member and volunteer for the Council of Christians and Jews, Ronnie Taylor nephew of Belsen Concentrations camp liberator, Cllr Stephen Gauntlett Chairman of Lewes District Council, Lena Holt, International Voice Orchestra Conductor, Larry Navon Chair of Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community, Dorit Oliver-Wolff Holocaust Survivor, Stephen Lloyd MP,  Cllr Peter Pragnell Chairman of East Sussex County Council

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