Pupils join civic and faith leaders to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in Swansea

The annual commemoration honours the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and in genocides around the world. This year marks 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz‑Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex.

Students from Bishop Vaughan, YG Penllergaer, YG Penyrheol, YGG Bryntawe, Christchurch Primary, Blaenymaes Primary, Penyrheol Comprehensive, Olchfa and YG Tan‑y‑Lan took part, alongside learners from Gower College Swansea.

They were joined by Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart, the Lord Mayor of Swansea Cheryl Philpott, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet, and representatives from Swansea’s multi‑faith communities.

Norma Glass MBE, a leading figure in Swansea’s Jewish community, closed the ceremony.

Cllr Stewart said the day remained a vital moment of reflection:

“January 27 marks the day in 1945 when Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp in Poland, was liberated and the remaining prisoners set free.

“Holocaust Memorial Day has become an occasion of remembrance for all those who have suffered and died due to acts of genocide.

“Today’s theme about bridging generations is about ensuring that we continue to remember, commemorate and commit to preventing genocide for the good of our children and their children.

“As those with direct experience of surviving the reality of genocide pass on, it’s our duty not to forget.

“It is through events such as today and the very moving and thought‑provoking contributions from our schools that we challenge ourselves to stand up against such tyranny.”

Pupils lead ceremony marking Holocaust Memorial Day

It is an international annual commemoration of those who have lost their lives in acts of genocide across the world with the theme for this year being ‘For a Better Future’.

This Holocaust Memorial Day marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

Schools taking part at today’s event at the Guildhall were Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Gellionnen, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe, Olchfa, Penllergaer Primary, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tan y Lan, Bishop Vaughan Catholic School and  Christchurch Primary.

Guests included Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart, The Lord Mayor of Swansea Paxton Hood-Williams, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet and members of Swansea’s multi-faith communities.

Chief Inspector James Ratti of South Wales Police read the Pan Wales Pledge while Norma Glass, MBE, a leading light in Swansea’s Jewish community, closed proceedings.

Cllr Stewart said: “January 27 marks the day in 1945 when Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp in Poland, was liberated and the remaining prisoners set free.

“Holocaust Memorial Day has become an occasion of remembrance for all those who have suffered and died due to acts of genocide.

“It is through events such as today and the very moving and thought provoking contributions from our schools that we remember and challenge ourselves to stand-up against such tyranny.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

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