New Holocaust memorial unveiled at remembrance service today

A DEDICATION ceremony in remembrance of the millions of victims of the Nazi Holocaust was held in Harlow this afternoon (January 27).

The service, led by Rabbi Irit Shillor of Harlow Synagogue, marked the 67th Holocaust Memorial Day commemorating the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945.

The new granite memorial

Councillors, faith groups and Harlow MP Robert Halfon attended the event at the Holocaust Memorial Garden in Waterhouse Moor, where a new granite memorial was unveiled following the theft of the original bronze plaque just before Christmas.

Council leader Andrew Johnson said he was pleased the council had been able to replace the plaque in time for today’s service.

“It was important we show the thieves that we will not have our town defaced by their selfish actions - that's why Harlow Council immediately commissioned a new plaque to be ready for Holocaust Memorial Day,” he said.

“The Holocaust clearly meant nothing to the thieves who took the original memorial. While bronze and other metals are being stolen up and down the country, cashing in on the victims of Nazi mass murder is surely a new low.”

He added: “Jewish people came to Harlow from the East End to make the New Town their home, so we have strong links with the Jewish faith to the present day. The dedication ceremony and the strength of turn-out reflects the strong community spirit that exists in Harlow."