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Holocaust Memorial Day marked in Ludlow with Interfaith Gathering

St John’s Church in Ludlow hosted a moving event on Sunday 25 January 2026 to mark Holocaust Memorial Day; the theme, "Bridging Generations". Members of the local community gathered to honour the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust and to reflect on the continuing impact of genocide around the world.

The commemoration centred on a slideshow presentation featuring the stories of survivors from several global genocides. Their testimonies—drawn from events in Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond—highlighted both the shared patterns of persecution and the remarkable resilience of those who lived through unimaginable brutality. The presentation invited attendees not only to remember the past but also to consider the ongoing need for vigilance against hatred, discrimination and dehumanisation in all forms.

A distinctive feature of the Ludlow gathering was its interfaith participation. Representatives from Buddhist, Christian, Humanist and Jewish communities contributed readings and reflections, each offering a perspective rooted in their own traditions. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to remembrance, compassion and the protection of human dignity. The interfaith element also served as a reminder that the responsibility to confront injustice transcends religious boundaries.

The event concluded with refreshments, giving attendees the opportunity to talk, reflect and connect with one another.

Holocaust Memorial Day remains a vital moment in the national calendar—a time to honour those who suffered, to listen to the voices of survivors and to reaffirm a collective promise: never again. Ludlow’s commemoration at St John’s Church offered a thoughtful and heartfelt contribution to that ongoing commitment.

Following a successful soup and refreshments event in Craven Arms Methodist Hall, a cheque was presented to Empathy by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Shrosphire, on behalf of SSIF.

Empathy is a registered charity working across Shropshire to improve the lives and reduce social isolation of those growing up and living with neurodiversity and hidden disabilities.

We hope that all our friends are able to keep their spirits up in these trying times. Please keep safe and keep well. Contact us if we can help in any way, we can access pastoral advice from a number of Faiths. info@ssif.org.uk

SSIF contributed artwork to and attended the national Holocaust Meorial Day event in London. Our artwork was an Inter Faith collaboration worked on by members of many faiths and including children from Craven Arms Islamic Centre and resettled Syrian children. The theme was of the cherry tree orrchard that SSIF together with Shropshire Council are planting across the County. Lydbury North and Onny schools added this year.

SSIF are supporting and endorsing the campaign to end modern slavery.

Amongst those who spoke was the Bishop of Hereford, Richard Frith, you can view him speaking on Youtube via the link below ......

And Rumaysa, the local Imam's daughter

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS (Not directly run by SSIF)

Pamela Thompson will give an illustrated talk about her adventures at 7.30 p.m. on Monday 13th May in Ludlow Methodist Church. Indian sweets and a hot drink will be served. There will be no entry charge, but donations for the work of ‘Salt of the Earth’ (registered charity 328328) will be welcomed.

‘Salt of the Earth’ is a small UK charity which has been working in southern India for more than 30 years. Its aim is to alleviate rural poverty by empowering villagers to improve their lives. In January Pamela visited villages, rural development centres and schools in three locations which are supported by ‘Salt of the Earth’. She met some amazing people there. Then she travelled on a pilgrimage for four weeks in India and Bhutan, meeting even more amazing people.

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