Members of the community and local dignitaries gathered for a memorial service to remember all those who were victims of genocide at an event in Ealing Town Hall.

Led by the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Mohinder Midha, the event remembered the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other populations and groups, and during more recent genocides.

The event was also attended by HMD Trustee, David Austin and the King’s local representative, Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki, who introduced the seven Holocaust pledges that were read aloud from local schoolchildren.

Ealing Council Leader, Councillor Peter Mason said: “What would it take for ordinary people like you and me – for all of us – to take leave of our senses and leave of our morals.

“What does it take for ordinary people, you, me and all of us – to turn our eyes away from genocide? What does it take for ordinary people like you and me, to fail to act, to fail to intervene?” 

Stones were laid to commemorate and pay respect to those who lost their lives. The service was closed with a blessing from Rabbi Vogel who reflected on thought, speech and the importance of action.

He said: “A pledge is not just a speech, but we have to act upon it, making sure that the future generations will not have to hear the words again, ‘lessons must be learnt,’ as they say in English. Enough is enough.

“Let us hope and pray that we all internalise the fact that the world of action is the most important thing in society today. When we can see a world of peace and harmony for all of mankind.” 

A permanent memorial to the Holocaust and other genocides will be unveiled in Ealing, with faith leaders and all residents invited to attend.