CHILDREN at Woodside Primary School in Oswestry, along with local Shropshire Councillor Mike Isherwood and representatives from various faiths, gathered for a special ceremony to commemorate Anne Frank on her birthday.
The ceremony took place at the cherry tree planted in 2016, on Monday, June 12, and centered on the power of words.
Imam Sohayb Peerbhai from the South Shropshire Interfaith Forum recited a poem on the theme of "ordinary people," the focus of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day.
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He said: “A wonderful morning at Woodside in a ceremony to mark the birthday of Anne Frank; a special thank you to the children who participated and showed excellent manners, diversity and a commitment to look after the tree, well done Woodside.”
Lady Natalie Cumming from the Jewish community shared the story of her Aunt Rosa, who survived Auschwitz, Mauthausen, and Belsen concentration camps by playing her violin in the women's orchestras.
She said: “I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated being invited to attend the Anne Frank Memorial Day and to be given such a warm welcome.
“It was a pleasure to meet the children who took part.
“They were indeed a credit to the school – particularly in this day and age when we usually only hear negative things about them.
“Their reaction to my diploma from their Majesties, the King and Queen, was indeed reassuring that they hold our royal family in deep regard. “
Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for adult social care, public health, and communities, expressed delight in hearing about the flourishing tree and its cherries, highlighting the children's responsible stewardship.
Councillor Mike Isherwood emphasized the importance of remembering ordinary individuals like Anne Frank, acknowledging their sacrifices and legacies as a means of connecting children to their history and preparing them for the future.
He said: “Remembering ordinary people like Anne Frank, their sacrifices and also their legacies, is so important in linking children to their history, as well as learning for their future.
“The values displayed by the pupils show that our children will grow up to do some extraordinary things and bring strength, compassion and unity to their community.”
Father Yin-An Chen, curate at St Oswald's, joined the children in lighting a candle with three wicks representing Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
He concluded the ceremony with a special prayer.
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