Honouring the memory of the six million
On Thursday, 24th April, more than 600 members of the Cape Town Jewish community and beyond gathered at the Pinelands Jewish Cemetery for the annual Yom Hashoah Vehagevurah Memorial Ceremony.
This solemn event, which honours the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, was particularly poignant this year as it commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps.
The ceremony brought together Holocaust survivors, their descendants spanning four generations; religious and community leaders; representatives from political parties; consulates; and school students, all united in remembrance and reflection. As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, the emphasis on youth participation in this year’s commemoration was especially significant, ensuring that the memory of the Holocaust is preserved for generations to come. This year saw attendance at the ceremony of pupils from Herzlia, and the German and French Schools in Cape Town.
Youth participation is crucial for the passing down of history and remembrance. Members from young adult and youth organisations—including Bnei Akiva, Habonim, Netzer, BBYO, SAUJS, and Diller—read out the names of Holocaust victims submitted by community members. This moving tribute not only personalised the immense loss suffered but also served as a powerful reminder of the responsibility younger generations have in carrying forward the legacy of remembrance.
A video entitled We Remember: Voices of the Second, Third & Fourth Generations, showcasing the reflections of 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation descendants of Holocaust survivors was screened, serving as a transition between segments of the two-part ceremony. This powerful visual presentation underscored the profound impact that Holocaust education continues to have on future generations and younger members of the community, ensuring that the lessons of the past are never forgotten.
The Herzlia Vocal Ensemble, with soloist Melanie Stein, delivered heart-wrenching songs that captured the solemnity of the occasion. Additionally, Dr Veronica Belling and Isaac Habib recited traditional Yiddish and Ladino poems, further enriching the emotional depth of the ceremony.
Cape SAJBD Chair, Adrienne Jacobson, made a moving welcoming address emphasising that “in this dark period of pain and crisis in the Jewish world, it is even more important than ever that we come together to honour the memory of the six million Jewish souls who perished in the Holocaust at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators”. Adding to the intergenerational nature of the event, Holocaust survivor Ella Blumenthal was honoured with a tribute read by her daughter, Dr Evelyn Kaplan, and granddaughter, Dani Katz. This powerful moment highlighted the resilience of Holocaust survivors and the importance of preserving their stories through their descendants.
A key address was delivered by Jakub Nowakowski, Director of the Cape Town Holocaust & Genocide Centre, who reinforced the importance of the ‘survivors’ strength to move forward’’. His message served as a further call to action for continued vigilance against hatred and intolerance.
Music played a central role in the programme. Cantor Ivor Joffe and the Green and Sea Point Hebrew Congregation Choir provided deeply meaningful renditions, adding to the solemnity and dignity of the event.
A message of support from the Israeli Embassy, provided by Adi Cohen Hazanov and read by Heather Blumenthal, Executive Director of the SAZF – Cape Council, reaffirmed the global solidarity in remembering the Holocaust. The ceremony was further dignified by the laying of wreaths by current and ex-servicemen, paying tribute to those who fought against tyranny and ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.
As the event drew to a close, the morning served as a stark reminder of the duty we all share in preserving the memory of the Holocaust. By involving young people in the commemoration, the Cape Town Jewish community has taken a significant step in ensuring that the horrors of the past are not only remembered but actively taught to future generations.
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps underscores the urgent need to keep Holocaust memory alive, particularly in an era where antisemitism and Holocaust denial persist. Through ceremonies like Yom Hashoah Vehagevurah, the Cape Town Jewish community reaffirms its commitment to honouring the past, educating the present, and safeguarding the future.
This year’s Yom Hashoah memorial was not just a ceremony of remembrance but a powerful statement of continuity, resilience, and the enduring obligation to stand against hatred in all its forms.
To watch the video recording on the Cape SAJBD’s YouTube channel click here. ●
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