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Sky News
27-01-2025
- General
- Sky News
Kate hugs Holocaust survivors as King warns of 'dangerous re-emergence of antisemitism'
The Princess of Wales hugged and held hands with Holocaust survivors at an official commemoration to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Kate and her husband the Prince of Wales said their attendance at the event at Guildhall in central London was "a great honour" on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Meanwhile, the King warned of the "dangerous re-emergence of antisemitism" as he also met with Holocaust survivors during a visit to the Jewish Community Centre of Krakow - which he opened in 2008. 4:11 King Charles said Holocaust Memorial Day "is a moment when we recall the depths to which humanity can sink when evil is allowed to flourish". The King then joined survivors and other dignitaries at Auschwitz, marking the first time that a serving British monarch has visited the concentration camp where more than a million people were murdered at the hands of the Nazi regime. Before he laid a candle as the UK's representative at the ceremony in Poland, three Holocaust survivors shared their stories. Tova Friedman explained her traumatic experiences left her feeling it was "normal" that "as a Jewish child they all had to die". Janina Iwanska also said: "It is difficult to calculate all the people killed here." Kate, William and PM pay respects At the memorial event at Guildhall in London, Kate told Olivia Marks-Woldman, the chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, the commemorations are "so important," and added: "It is great to be here today with my husband." In a short speech, William said attending the event at Guildhall was "a great honour". "I am honoured to join you today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides," he said. "We also remember those survivors who have lived with scars, both mental and physical. "Their bravery, in sharing with us the most harrowing moments of their lives, is extremely powerful and ensures that we never forget. I assure them we never will." The prince also read an extract from the book Holocaust Heroes, which references the efforts made by his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, to help a Jewish family in need during the Second World War. In his own speech at the Guildhall event, Sir Keir Starmer said the Holocaust was a "collective endeavour" by ordinary people "consumed by the hatred of difference". The prime minister said: "As we remember, we must also act. Because we say never again, but where was never again in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, or the acts of genocide against Yazidi? "Today, we have to make those words mean more. So we will make Holocaust education a truly national endeavour." Heightened security at London event shows lessons still to be learnt Lisa Holland Communities correspondent @LisaatSky Survivors lit candles and gave their own moving testimonies at the London commemorations of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The London Youth Chamber Choir performed Even When He Is Silent - remembering six million lost Jewish voices. The Prince of Wales spoke about remembering not only survivors but also recalled those who risked their own lives to protect those fleeing - which included his great-grandmother Alice who gave refuge to a Jewish widow and her children in Athens. The message of the ceremony to the congregation and beyond at a time of growing fears over anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiment - to light candles of their own and stand against prejudice and hatred. Candles to light the darkness 'for a better future'. But the heightened security ahead of and at the venue at a time of continuing conflict in the world tells us lessons are still to be learnt on this 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. 'Remembering the evils of the past remains vital' Speaking in Krakow earlier on Monday, the King said: "In a world that remains full of turmoil and strife, and has witnessed the dangerous re-emergence of antisemitism, there can be no more important message. "As the number of Holocaust survivors regrettably diminishes with the passage of time, the responsibility of remembrance rests far heavier on our shoulders and on those of generations yet unborn. "The act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task, and in so doing, we inform our present and shape our future. "Here in Krakow, from the ashes of the Holocaust, the Jewish community has been reborn." The King went on to say there is "no greater symbol" of that rebirth than the centre he was speaking at. "In a post-Holocaust world, projects such as this, this centre, is how we recover our faith in humanity," he said. "They also show us there is much work still to be done," he said, adding that it's important not just to remember the past, "but to use it to inspire us to build a kinder and more compassionate world for future generations". "This remains the sacred task of us all," he added. Later, the King joined world leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Auschwitz, as those who lived through the Holocaust shared their stories of survival. King's poignant journey to Auschwitz a display of his lifelong commitment to Holocaust survivors Royal correspondent @SkyRhiannon The King had a clear purpose as he made his first visit to Auschwitz. Remembrance - but also the high cost of forgetting. It was right at the heart of a speech he gave at a Jewish community centre in Krakow, which he opened in 2008; a reminder of his enduring work to champion religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue, ever mindful of what he can do with his global profile. In the auditorium at Auschwitz, he was one of the most recognisable attendees. But as is so often the case with the Royal Family, his intention was to use his presence to draw even greater attention to those who really matter, the survivors. The Holocaust Educational Trust described his attendance as elevating the event on a global stage, a signal to the world of its significance. It was a display of his lifelong commitment to humanise and give a voice to those who 80 years ago were so savagely dehumanised at the hands of the Nazis. 'I remember watching children driven to their deaths' Survivor Janina Iwanska said that while the camp was originally for political prisoners, in March 1942, "the operators of the camp started building gas chambers and the crematorium". "It was no longer a POW camp, a Soviet camp - this is when the killing machine started its operation," she added. "It is difficult to calculate all the people killed here." Fellow survivor Tova Friedman also told those in attendance: "I remember as a five-year-old child watching from my hiding place as all my little friends were rounded up and driven to their deaths while the heartbreaking cries of their parents fell on deaf ears. "After all the children were gone and the courtyard was empty - I thought 'am I the only Jewish child left in the world?'" She recalled that while held in Auschwitz, she "was being beaten mercilessly by a guard for fidgeting" after "not being able to stand still for hours," as she looked into her mother's eyes. "She was pleading with me 'don't cry'. And I didn't. At five I had the rebellion in me that I would not let them know the pain they are inflicting on me," Ms Friedman added. 2:15 More than a million people were murdered at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp during the Second World War, most of whom were Jews but also Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and other nationalities. Six million Jewish men, women and children died during the Holocaust. 3:31 Commemorations at the former death camp began earlier when Poland's President Andrzej Duda joined Auschwitz survivors laying wreaths and candles at the site. Their tributes were left at a reconstruction of the Death Wall, the site where several thousand people, mainly Polish political prisoners, were executed. In a speech, Mr Duda said "we Poles are the guardians of memory today" and had a duty to maintain the life stories of the survivors.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kate hugs Holocaust survivors at remembrance event in London
The Princess of Wales hugged and held hands with Holocaust survivors as she attended official commemorations to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Kate joined her husband the Prince of Wales, who described their attendance as 'a great honour', at Guildhall in central London on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The annual event remembers the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution and those who died in subsequent genocides. William, wearing a navy suit and blue tie, and Kate, wearing all black, were greeted on arrival by Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, and its chairwoman of trustees Laura Marks. Speaking to Ms Marks-Woldman, Kate described the commemorations as 'so important', adding: 'It is great to be here today with my husband.' The pair were then shown to the Old Library where they met with two tables of survivors and their families. After having formal handshakes, Kate then gave one survivor, Yvonne Bernstein, 87, a warm hug before they clasped each other's hands as they sat together and spoke. The princess said: '(It is) such a treat for me (to see) an old friend.' On the second table, Kate also hugged and spoke at length with fellow survivor Steven Frank BEM, 89. Mr Frank was photographed by the princess to mark the 75th anniversary commemorations in 2020. Asked about his interactions with Kate after the event, he told reporters: 'She's such a darling. 'She just immediately knew my name – such a lovely person. My grandchildren would be thrilled.' Asked about his continued efforts to share his experiences, Mr Frank added: 'It's become sort of a mission. Most people say 'You do it because it helps you mentally get it off your chest'. 'I do it because I've had so much good fortune coming to this country and having lived, loved, played sport, had a nice family, and it's time to give something back.' The roughly 50 Holocaust survivors in attendance were then gathered for a group photo, with the royals initially continuing to chat with their table as they assembled. William and Kate joined the photo alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner. Once taken, Sir Keir could be heard saying to one survivor that the photo was 'fantastic'. All guests then moved to the Great Hall for a special ceremony. The hall's walls, ceiling and chandeliers were lit purple as the London Youth Chamber Choir performed with an orchestra on stage. Several extracts from memoirs written by Jewish people during the Holocaust were read out, including by TV personality Robert Rinder, while the testimonies of survivors were also played on TV screens. In a short speech, William said: 'I am honoured to join you today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides. 'We also remember those survivors who have lived with scars, both mental and physical. 'Their bravery, in sharing with us the most harrowing moments of their lives, are extremely powerful and ensure that we never forget. I assure them we never will.' The prince then read an extract from the book Holocaust Heroes, which made reference to the efforts made by his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, to help a Jewish family in need. Giving his own speech, Sir Keir said the Holocaust was a 'collective endeavour' by ordinary people 'consumed by the hatred of difference'. The Prime Minister said: 'We start by remembering the six million Jewish victims and by defending the truth against anyone who would deny it. So we will have a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre to speak this truth for eternity. 'But as we remember, we must also act. Because we say never again, but where was never again in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, or the acts of genocide against Yazidi. 'Today, we have to make those words mean more. So we will make Holocaust education a truly national endeavour.' Sir Keir said all schools would teach the Holocaust and give opportunities to hear a recorded survivor testimony so that 'we can develop that empathy for others and that appreciation of our common humanity, which is the ultimate way to defeat the hatred of difference'. Other political attendees at the event were Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey, as well as the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. At the end of the ceremony William and Kate each appeared on stage to gather a flame and light their own candles. Ms Marks-Woldman said: 'Your Royal Highnesses, your presence and contributions today send a powerful message at this time of increased Holocaust distortion and inversion, of the imperative of safeguarding the historical record, and for us all to take personal responsibility to uphold the truth of the past and work towards a better future.'
The Independent
27-01-2025
- General
- The Independent
Kate hugs Holocaust survivors at remembrance event in London
The Princess of Wales hugged and held hands with Holocaust survivors as she attended official commemorations to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Kate joined her husband the Prince of Wales, who described their attendance as 'a great honour', at Guildhall in central London on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The annual event remembers the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution and those who died in subsequent genocides. William, wearing a navy suit and blue tie, and Kate, wearing all black, were greeted on arrival by Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, and its chairwoman of trustees Laura Marks. Speaking to Ms Marks-Woldman, Kate described the commemorations as 'so important', adding: 'It is great to be here today with my husband.' The pair were then shown to the Old Library where they met with two tables of survivors and their families. After having formal handshakes, Kate then gave one survivor, Yvonne Bernstein, 87, a warm hug before they clasped each other's hands as they sat together and spoke. The princess said: '(It is) such a treat for me (to see) an old friend.' On the second table, Kate also hugged and spoke at length with fellow survivor Steven Frank BEM, 89. Mr Frank was photographed by the princess to mark the 75th anniversary commemorations in 2020. Asked about his interactions with Kate after the event, he told reporters: 'She's such a darling. 'She just immediately knew my name – such a lovely person. My grandchildren would be thrilled.' Asked about his continued efforts to share his experiences, Mr Frank added: 'It's become sort of a mission. Most people say 'You do it because it helps you mentally get it off your chest'. 'I do it because I've had so much good fortune coming to this country and having lived, loved, played sport, had a nice family, and it's time to give something back.' The roughly 50 Holocaust survivors in attendance were then gathered for a group photo, with the royals initially continuing to chat with their table as they assembled. William and Kate joined the photo alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner. Once taken, Sir Keir could be heard saying to one survivor that the photo was 'fantastic'. All guests then moved to the Great Hall for a special ceremony. The hall's walls, ceiling and chandeliers were lit purple as the London Youth Chamber Choir performed with an orchestra on stage. Several extracts from memoirs written by Jewish people during the Holocaust were read out, including by TV personality Robert Rinder, while the testimonies of survivors were also played on TV screens. In a short speech, William said: 'I am honoured to join you today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides. 'We also remember those survivors who have lived with scars, both mental and physical. 'Their bravery, in sharing with us the most harrowing moments of their lives, are extremely powerful and ensure that we never forget. I assure them we never will.' The prince then read an extract from the book Holocaust Heroes, which made reference to the efforts made by his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, to help a Jewish family in need. Giving his own speech, Sir Keir said the Holocaust was a 'collective endeavour' by ordinary people 'consumed by the hatred of difference'. The Prime Minister said: 'We start by remembering the six million Jewish victims and by defending the truth against anyone who would deny it. So we will have a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre to speak this truth for eternity. 'But as we remember, we must also act. Because we say never again, but where was never again in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, or the acts of genocide against Yazidi. 'Today, we have to make those words mean more. So we will make Holocaust education a truly national endeavour.' Sir Keir said all schools would teach the Holocaust and give opportunities to hear a recorded survivor testimony so that 'we can develop that empathy for others and that appreciation of our common humanity, which is the ultimate way to defeat the hatred of difference'. Other political attendees at the event were Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey, as well as the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. At the end of the ceremony William and Kate each appeared on stage to gather a flame and light their own candles. Ms Marks-Woldman said: 'Your Royal Highnesses, your presence and contributions today send a powerful message at this time of increased Holocaust distortion and inversion, of the imperative of safeguarding the historical record, and for us all to take personal responsibility to uphold the truth of the past and work towards a better future.'
