Barking and Dagenham Council held a commemorative event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, bringing together the local community, Holocaust Survivor Susie Barnett BEM, and faith and political leaders.

On 27 January each year, people from around the world remember the millions of victims murdered during the Holocaust and other genocides that have followed across the world.

The date, which marks the anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, is also a chance to honour the survivors, learn more about the past, and take action to create a safer future.

The ‘Fragility of Freedom’ is the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day, reflecting on how freedom is fragile and vulnerable to abuse.

As part of this years’ commemorations, a flag-raising and candle lighting event was held outside Barking Town Hall, and a minute’s silence was observed. Residents also had the chance to hear from Holocaust survivor Susie Barnett BEM, who shared her remarkable story about the horrors she and her family faced in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “Days like today are about bringing people together to build a better, safer future for everyone.

“The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us that freedom, something we all cherish but in many ways take for granted, is delicate and can be easily taken away.

“We got to hear first-hand from Susie Barnett BEM about the horrors she and her family faced during the Holocaust. As we think about the past, let's also think about the present and the future. Let's stand together to make sure everyone right around the world can enjoy the freedom to live without fear.”

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day visit hmd.org.uk/.