Today Havant Borough Council held a memorial service at the Holocaust Memorial in New Lane Cemetery, Havant. It was intended to ensure that the crimes against humanity committed during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides are never forgotten.

The Mayor of Havant, Councillor Elaine Shimbart gave a reading on ‘The Power of words’ during the commemoration which was the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day. Local students from Park Community School, Oaklands School and Cowplain School will also gave readings.

The service was followed by a reception at The Plaza to hear a testimony by Holocaust survivor William Bergman who will recollect his experience of Kristallnacht.

The Mayor of Havant, Councillor Elaine Shimbart, said: “It is important we take time to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust, remembering the cruelty that was subjected to innocent men, women and children.

“These heinous crimes are a reminder that discrimination must not be tolerated within our communities.

“We must ensure this message is understood by future generations, so I am glad that we have school children from Park Community School, Oaklands School, Cowplain School and Horndean Technology College joining us at the memorial.

“I am honoured to join the service and to welcome William Bergman to The Plaza afterwards to hear his compelling recollections of Kristallnacht."