“Never Again” must be more than words

To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, Alsop High School students laid a wreath at the memorial stone in St John’s Gardens. They remembered and honoured the victims of genocide before attending Liverpool Town Hall for the Civic Service for Holocaust Memorial Day.

The service, themed “Bridging Generations,” brought together a diverse congregation. It was encouraging to see not only Jewish leaders present, but also faith representatives from Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities. The coming together of so many voices reflected a shared commitment to remembrance and unity.

During the Civic Service, sixth form students from Alsop High School delivered a powerful presentation. They explored the friendship formed between two fourteen‑year‑old Jewish boys who survived the Death March. They reflected on the lives of the late Zigi Shipper BEM and Manfred Goldberg BEM, sharing their stories of resilience and survival during Nazi persecution.

The students also spoke about their recent visit to Auschwitz with the Holocaust Educational Trust. They concluded their presentation with the words of Elie Wiesel. His reflections captured the shock and devastation of arriving at Auschwitz‑Birkenau. This year marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz‑Birkenau.

Students from Archbishop Blanch Church of England High School also contributed to the commemoration, reflecting on this year’s theme. The service further included performances by King David High School musicians and poetry from King David Junior School. Each school’s participation added depth and meaning to the programme.

The lord mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray reinforced the importance of working together for a better future. She emphasised the need to stand united against racism and hatred. Rabbi Natan Fagleman of the Allerton Hebrew Congregation led prayers. He also lit a candle in memory of those who perished during the Holocaust.

Faith leaders across Merseyside took part in an Act of Commitment. They pledged to challenge and eradicate all forms of racism and hatred from society.

Councillor Barbara Murray reflected:

“This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day Trust theme is ‘Bridging Generations’ – a reminder that the responsibility of remembrance doesn’t end with the survivors and that it lives on through their children, their grandchildren and through all of us.

“This theme encourages us all to engage actively with the past – to listen, to learn and to carry those lessons forward. By doing so, we build a bridge between memory and action, between history and hope for the future.”

The service welcomed guest speaker Phil Rosenberg. Phil is both president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and trustee of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. He reminded attendees:

“Holocaust Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of where hatred can lead when it goes unchallenged.

“As we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and all victims of genocide, we must also confront the realities of rising antisemitism and hatred today.

“‘Never Again’ must be more than words, it must be a commitment we uphold every day.”

The combined efforts of all involved helped to create a service that honoured the past and united communities in the present. It reinforced the ongoing commitment to challenge hatred in all its forms.