Today marks the end of the genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia in 1995. Srebrenica was the worst atrocity on European soil since the Holocaust. Families, friends and loved ones were torn apart and 8,000 innocent people were killed due to their religion. The hatred, tolerance and prejudice that led to both the Holocaust and Srebrenica remain. This year, our staff have left flowers with messages of hope across the country to honour the memory of those we lost and whose lives were torn apart.
Alessandro – Great Sankey, Warrington
Our Director left a message from the HSFA at St Mary’s Church in Great Sankey, Warrington. The HSFA is committed to building stronger community links between all in order to tackle prejudice, discrimination and racism in all its forms.
Paula – Liverpool
Paula, our Digital Intern visited the Princes Road Synagogue, one of a few Grade I-listed synagogues in Britain. Its Rabbi Abel has been active in interfaith work, particularly with Sufi Muslims and refugees.
Following on from the synagogue, Paula also visited the Al-Rahma Mosque, just a few blocks away. She wanted to introduce this particularly vibrant and multicultural part of Liverpool to you.
Hannah – Huddersfield
Our Producer Hannah left two flowers. The first she left on the campus of The University of Huddersfield, as a centre of a multicultural town and as the base of our exhibition the university works tirelessly to strengthen community relations.
Hannah also left a flower at Masjid Riza in Birkby, Huddersfield. The message on the card quoted late Yorkshire MP Jo Cox “We have more in common than that which divides us.” This quote felt poignant as we remember the victims of a genocide caused by division.
Tracy – Leeds
Our Head of Collections Tracy left her message of peace reading “We send a message of peace, love and tolerance as we remember the victim of the genocide in Srebrenica in 1995 ” at St Giles Church in Bramhope, Leeds. Leeds is the home of the HSFA and where many of our Holocaust survivors and refugees created new lives, alongside people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Chelsea – Edinburgh
Chelsea, our Head of Research, took her flower to Edinburgh’s Hebrew Congregation. Although the majority of today’s Scottish Jews live in Greater Glasgow, Edinburgh’s Orthodox synagogue has had a strong following for nearly the last 100 years. The HSFA shares this synagogue’s values of inclusivity, diversity and support for the wider community.