NINETEEN descendants of survivors of the Holocaust will attend Jersey’s Holocaust Memorial Day this year.
On Tuesday 27 January, 44 wreaths will be laid at the Lighthouse Memorial on the New North Quay in memory of the victims of Nazi persecution in the Second World War.
Of these, 12 will be laid by 19 people who live to tell their relatives’ story.
Among them is Dr Kevin White, who is travelling to the Island to honour his grandfather, Frederick Page.
Mr Page was tried for wireless offences during the Occupation, sentenced to 21 months in prison and later died in Naumberg internment camp, just months before liberation.
His name is one of 21 inscribed on the Lighthouse Memorial and among those commemorated through Jersey’s Stolpersteine project.
Dr White said: “My presence at this year’s ceremony will honour my grandfather, a man of huge courage and with a detestation of antisemitism and Nazi evil.
“I hope it will remind people that the events of the Occupation are recent and still have an impact on families.”
Guest speaker Helen Stone will also share the story of her mother Emmy Golding, who survived the Holocaust after fleeing Germany for England as a Jewish refugee in 1939.
Ms Stone is a founder member and associate director of Generation 2 Generation, which supports the descendants of Holocaust survivors in telling their stories.
Students from Victoria College and Jersey College for Girls will lay flowers in memory of the Jersey 21, while Les Quennevais students will lay a wreath for those still affected by hatred and persecution in modern conflicts.
The ceremony will include musical performances by the Julie Riley and Vanessa Moore violin duo.
Organiser Chris Addy said: “We are honoured to welcome everyone who comes together to remember those who suffered at the hands of Nazi persecution, but it is especially moving to have the presence of family members, who help us to keep alive these important stories while also celebrating the lives of those who have followed.”
