James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, and David Amess, MP for Southend West, will on Saturday attend a commemoration concert marking the 70th Anniversary of Kristallnacht.
The anniversary is an important date in the Jewish calendar as it marks the night in 1938 on which Nazis staged violent riots against the Jewish community of Germany. In just one night thousands of synagogues and Jewish businesses, hospitals, schools and cemeteries were burned and destroyed. The name Kristallnacht is now commonly understood to mean “Night of the Broken Glass” – representing the glass that littered the streets following the rampage. The riots, or pogroms, that began on that night signified the ramping up of attacks against the Jewish community which ultimately culminated in the Holocaust.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s concert, James said:
“Kristallnacht is an historic and important event not only in Jewish history but in the history of the world. I believe it is important to show my respects and support at this concert.”
Adding to this, David said:
“Kristallnacht was much more than just the shattering of windows. It was the beginning of the end for German Jewry and telegraphed the fate of all Jews who would soon come under Nazi control. As such, this commemoration must be observed both as a memorial and as a warning that never again should such an event be allowed to occur.”
The event will take place at the Westcliff and Southend Synagogue on Finchley Road on Saturday 15th November and will include performances from two renowned Cantors.
13 November 2008