Holocaust survivor shares her story with Bushey community on Yom HaShoah

Holocaust Janine Webber BEM has shared her story with the Bushey community on Yom HaShoah, urging them to “stand up to hatred and prejudice”.

Janine, who survived the war as a child in Poland by being hidden and concealing her Jewish identity, was in conversation with Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, who himself lost over 60 family members in the Holocaust, including his grandparents.

Janine told the audience: “We must remember the six million men, women and children who perished during the war. My hope is that people are kind to each other. Stand up to hatred and prejudice. We are all human beings and should show respect to each other.”

Voss said that Yom HaShoah had a lot of meaning for him, both personally, having lost so many relatives and also as a representative of His Majesty King Charles, who visited Auschwitz on Holocaust Memorial Day to mark 80 years since its liberation. Voss said afterwards: “It was an honour to interview the incredible Janine Webber BEM and to be a part of this commemoration.”

The evening at Bushey United Synagogue, which was attended by around 300 people, consisted of prayer, reflection and song.

Youth breakout group speak to Janine Webber at Bushey United Synagogue on Yom HaShoah[Missing Credit]

Over 45 dignitaries attended the event, including local MP Sir Oliver Dowden CBE, the leader, mayor and deputy mayor of Hertsmere Council along with many councillors and the leader of Hertfordshire County Council.

Many leaders of other faiths were also present to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen and the end of the Holocaust.

Michael Bibring, chair of Bushey’s Yom HaShoah committee, said: “I am so proud that we managed to hold such a poignant commemoration once again. Not only did we have a packed audience to hear from the incredible Janine, but for the first time, we held a parallel youth event, where nearly 30 young people saw a background film of the Holocaust and then had the opportunity to meet Janine personally before hearing her testimony.”

The synagogue’s Rabbi Feldman said: “I am always moved beyond words by the dignity and solemnity associated with our Yom HaShoah commemoration. This year, though, I add the sense of urgency palpably felt in our memorial. We know it is only through continued commitment to Holocaust remembrance that we can educate the next generations, and our Bushey Yom HaShoah evening continues to play a critical role in this endeavour.”

Bibring paid tribute to the organising committee, Holocaust Learning UK, the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Union of Jewish Students for their help in putting on both the events and for Janine’s “energy in supporting both”.

He said: “The astonishing turnout from the community, faith leaders and dignitaries underlines the importance of remembering this terrible episode of history.”

Dowden said afterwards that Holocaust Memorial Day wasn’t just an opportunity for sombre reflection but was “a call to action”, adding: “It is a reminder that we must stand against hate, intolerance, and bigotry in all forms, and I vow, as MP for Hertsmere, to continue to fight against it.”