This week’s post is by Sofia Rose and Sophie Lunzer:
On Sunday 23rd April, we participated in a Yom HaShoah commemoration ceremony at Barnet Copthall Rugby Stadium. Lots of important people were there, such as Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and His Excellency Mark Regev, Ambassador of Israel.
The theme of the ceremony this year was women’s resistance. This was so important to us personally, as we both have family members including grandmothers and great grandmothers, who survived the Shoah as a result of their bravery and courage.
We enjoyed singing ‘Never Again’ composed and conducted by Stephen Melzack (Mrs Melzack’s husband), as well as singing with Mr Kett – who was part of the Male Voice Choirs (even though he forgot his choir folder!).
There was also a candle lighting ceremony in which our very own Mr Richman, joined by his son Levi, took part in lighting for a family member Claire Richman.
We sung on stage with Clore Tikva, Independent Jewish Day School, Mathilda Marks Kennedy, North West London Jewish Day School, Rosh Pinah and Wohl Ilford JPS.
We had so much fun but most of all it was amazing to be part of a very moving ceremony and it was an incredible experience.