Today events are taking place across the world to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole council held an event at Christchurch Quay with a theme of ‘Stand Together’.
The event marked the 25th anniversary of the Bosnian Genocide and 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Rabbi Maurice Michaels encouraged residents of Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole to stand against divisiveness wherever it is.
In his speech Rabbi Michaels highlighted the story of Martin Niemoller, who is well remembered for the following Quote:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a socialist.
“Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out, because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out, because I was not a Jew.
“Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me”
At the end of the commemoration event pupils joined The Vice Chairman of BCP Council and the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Lesley Dedman in a wreath laying ceremony at the Christchurch Holocaust Memorial Day site on the Quomps.
Over one hundred dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces Association, residents and school pupils attended the commemoration.
Community Angels take flight in Charminster