A sapling grown from a horse chestnut found at Auschwitz-Birkenau was planted at the University and unveiled as part of a series of events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
A sapling grown from a horse chestnut found at Auschwitz-Birkenau was planted at the University and unveiled as part of a series of events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
The sapling was grown and donated by Kate McRae, who brought a horse chestnut back from her visit to Auschwitz in 2016.
As part of a series of commemorative events hosted by the Multi-Faith Centre, an event was held to mark the planting of the sapling, and a plaque of remembrance was unveiled.
Geoff Sweeney, Director of the Multi-Faith Centre, said: “To mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 (January 27), the Multi-Faith Centre was involved in hosting a number of events including the planting of the sapling.
“We hope that this sapling will be a living symbol of hope that inspires others to find the courage to stand up to injustice, hatred and persecution wherever they see it. The sapling is a living reminder of The Holocaust; a symbol of remembrance and hope.”
More than 80 people attended the event at the University, which featured a series of readings, personal reflections, and a Yiddish song, before a prayer of dedication and unveiling of the plaque.
Dr Larissa Allwork, Associate Professor in History at the University and a member of the Derby Holocaust Memorial Day Planning Group, added: “The planting of the Auschwitz sapling by the Multi-Faith Centre is a permanent reminder for us to remember the victims of the Holocaust and the Third Reich.
“Having come from abroad and now rooted in Britain, the Auschwitz sapling is also a symbolic call for us to be empathetic to refugees in the present day and alive to the challenges presented by contemporary forms of anti-Semitism, racism and intolerance.”
The planting of the sapling was financially supported by the community-based Derby Holocaust Memorial Day Planning Group.
In commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day, the Multi-Faith Centre was proud to support and assist Derby's Holocaust Memorial Day Planning Group with its series of events (23 January to 8 February) including an evening of reflection and performance at QUAD by communities that have found sanctuary and safety from persecution in Derby, two Services of Commemoration, Remembrance and Hope at Derby Cathedral and an Overcoming Antisemitism workshops as well as talks, music, dance, performance and poetry.
