On Monday, 27th January, the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Jewish Society (JSoc), in collaboration with the UEA History Society, hosted a poignant Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony to honour the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The event, held in Lecture Theatre 2 from 6 to 8 PM, drew students, staff, and other community members to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and to remember its millions of victims. 

The ceremony commenced with an opening address by JSoc Co-Presidents Samantha Lewkowicz and Ben Hirschfield, who emphasised the importance of remembrance and education in preventing future genocides. The Committee then told the stories of several victims and survivors, interspersed with video interviews and personal testimonies. In particular, Co-President Samantha’s re-telling of her Grandfather, Chaim Lewkowicz’s experience struck many in the room. 

The ceremony concluded with a minute’s silence and an open forum, allowing attendees to share their thoughts, feelings, and reflections. Many expressed a renewed commitment to combating anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination. One participant noted, “Events like this remind us of the importance of standing up against hatred in all its forms. It’s a call to action for each of us.” 

Following the event, the society held an ‘Every Stitch Makes a Story’ workshop on Tuesday, February 28th. At this event, students could stitch their own quilt patch inspired by an individual victim’s story. 

The completed stitchwork was displayed alongside a walk-in exhibition in The Hive between February 3rd and 5th in collaboration with the History and Polish societies and Disabled Students’ Community. The exhibition featured a collection of art, poetry, and personal narratives, each reflecting on themes such as loss, resilience, and the enduring impact of the Holocaust.  

The collaboration between JSoc and other relevant societies exemplifies the UEA student community’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that remembers, reflects and learns from the past.  

Image Credit: Jamie Bryson/Concrete