Hatfield Town Council held an intimate ceremony on January 27th to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, bringing community leaders, faith representatives, and residents together in shared remembrance and reflection.

Marking the 81st year since the liberation of Auschwitz, the event was led by Mayor of Hatfield, Councillor Mick Wise. In his opening address, Councillor Wise spoke powerfully about the enduring lessons of the Holocaust as well as emphasising a strong condemnation of hate in all its forms, highlighting the importance of standing together against intolerance, discrimination, and prejudice.

The ceremony included heartfelt and moving contributions from Reynold Rosenberg, alongside members of the Welwyn Garden City Hebrew Congregation, and Welwyn Hatfield Interfaith Group Leader Wendy Lidgate. Their words reflected not only on the horrors of the Holocaust, but also on the responsibility of present and future generations to remember, educate, and act with compassion.

Readings were delivered by Ella O’Shaughnessy-Deprez from Onslow St Audreys School and Sam Farag from the University of Hertfordshire, whose words helped underline the continued relevance of Holocaust Memorial Day, particularly for younger generations learning about the consequences of hatred and division.

The event also took time to reflect on other acts of genocide across history and the world, including those suffered by the people of Cambodia and Armenia. These reflections reinforced the message that remembrance must extend beyond a single tragedy, and that vigilance against hatred and violence is a shared responsibility.

Among those in attendance were Lady Salisbury, Lord Charles, and Rob Gillion, Chaplain to Lord Salisbury, alongside representatives of Hatfield Town Council, Hatfield Fire Service, and local residents.

Former Councillor Linda Mendez was also present at the ceremony this year. Twenty five years ago, Councillor Mendez planted Hatfield’s Holocaust Memorial Tree alongside Councillor Jeanne Wenham to mark the first UK Holocaust Memorial Day in 2001.

At the time, Councillor Mendez was Chair of what was then known as Welwyn Hatfield District Council, while Councillor Wenham served as Chair of Hatfield Town Council.