Two primary schools in Hereford Diocese commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day last week, planting flowering cherry trees in their school grounds as living memorials to child victims of the Holocaust. The ceremonies at Bosbury and Cradley CE Primary Schools provided an opportunity for pupils to engage in interfaith dialogue and take up the responsibility of remembrance, bridging generations. Pupils learned the personal story of a local Jewish family who escaped, helping to ensure the memory of the Holocaust and its lessons are passed on to future generations.
Bosbury and Cradley Primary Schools welcomed Mark Michaels from the Jewish community to speak with Years 5 and 6 pupils about the Holocaust before the tree planting took place. Mr Michaels shared his own family's story of escape from Nazi persecution in the late 1930s, bringing a deeply personal dimension to the pupils' understanding of this dark chapter in history.
Holocaust Memorial Day, observed annually on 27th January, commemorates the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazi regime before and during the Second World War. The date marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, by Russian forces in 1945.
The tree planting ceremony reflects a commitment helping younger generations understand the differences that led to such atrocities and the vital importance of tolerance and respect.
Ruth McManus, Head Teacher of Bosbury Primary School, said: "The children were held in rapt attention by Mr Michaels' very personal and moving talk, which was followed up by the class teacher with further discussion, creative writing and art."
Donna Jones, Head Teacher of Cradley Primary School, added: "The talk from Mark was sensitive and moving. Planting the tree in memory of a child lost in the Holocaust meant that there will be a time each January when the children at Cradley will not forget at least one child who perished in the camps."
Revd Dr David Gifford, the Diocesan Adviser for Interfaith Relations, said: "It was such an encouraging experience organising this special commemoration that crossed faith boundaries in our Diocese. It brought together children and teachers and whole communities, all facilitated by the generosity of the Hop Pocket Garden Centre, who donated the two large flowering cherry trees."
The flowering cherry trees, which will bloom each spring, serve as living memorials ensuring that the children remembered will never be forgotten.