Enfield Council commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday, 27 January, with a poignant ceremony at the Dugdale Arts Centre (DAC), marking two significant anniversaries. This year’s observance coincided with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.
This year’s theme, ‘For a Better Future,’ reminds us of the power of hope, resilience, and collective responsibility.” – Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council
The event began with a heartfelt presentation from pupils of Wolfson Hillel Primary School in Southgate. Their performance, titled ‘For a Better Future,’ reflected the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, which encourages hope, resilience, and collective responsibility.
The ceremony included speeches from a variety of religious and civic leaders, underscoring the importance of remembering the past to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. Rabbi Emanuel Levy of the Palmers Green and Southgate Synagogue, Rabbi Rich from Southgate Progressive Synagogue, Rabbi Shindler from Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue, and Marija Hamza from the Roma Support Group charity all shared their thoughts on the significance of the day.
The ceremony included speeches from a variety of religious and civic leaders, underscoring the importance of remembering the past to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
Enfield’s Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, addressed the gathering, stating, “It was an honour to welcome guests to such an important gathering. We come together to remember one of history’s darkest chapters, to honour the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, and to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.” He also spoke about the importance of this year’s theme, ‘For a Better Future,’ which urges everyone to challenge hatred and build a world rooted in respect, tolerance, and human dignity. “Let us leave this special event inspired to act with compassion, courage, and resolve,” he said, encouraging the audience to carry forward the lessons of the past.
In addition to the ceremony, residents are invited to explore a Holocaust Memorial Day exhibition at the Museum of Enfield in the DAC. The exhibition features 15 new artefacts on loan from the Jewish Museum London, shedding light on the relationship between Grete Rudkin, a Jewish child sent to Enfield on the Kindertransport in 1939, and her adoptive mother, Olive Rudkin. A poem, ‘To A Child Refugee in a Foreign Land,’ written by Olive, is being displayed in the borough for the first time.
The exhibition will be open until Saturday, 1 March, and offers a rare opportunity to view historical artefacts and explore their significance. Entry to the museum and all exhibition areas at DAC is free of charge, with the objects also available for viewing on the Jewish Museum London’s website.
Through these events and exhibitions, Enfield has reaffirmed its commitment to remembering the Holocaust and continuing the fight against hatred and prejudice, ensuring that the lessons of history remain at the forefront of the community’s collective consciousness.
