Members of HSS (UK) joined representatives of the local Jewish community, civic leaders, students, and other members of the Barnet community to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and honour the millions of people who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (UK), commonly known as HSS (UK), is a voluntary cultural and community organisation that encourages personal development, community service, social responsibility, and positive engagement with wider society. Through its activities across the United Kingdom, HSS (UK) also seeks to promote understanding of Hindu and Indian culture while building meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Representing HSS (UK), Smt. Harsha Jani, along with other representatives, joined the gathering in a spirit of remembrance, respect, and solidarity. The event provided an opportunity for people from different communities to come together, listen to one another, and reflect on the consequences of prejudice, persecution, and hatred.

The programme included beautiful musical performances and a particularly moving personal account from Emily, the daughter of Holocaust survivor Sala Slater. Hearing a survivor’s story through the next generation brought a deeply personal dimension to the commemoration and highlighted the importance of preserving these memories for future generations.

Katherine Angeli, a student from East Barnet School, also shared her reflections following a visit to Auschwitz. Her contribution demonstrated the important role young people can play in learning about history and ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.

The gathering also created an opportunity for members of the wider community to speak with representatives of HSS (UK). Several people expressed an interest in learning more about the historical and contemporary experiences of Hindus who have faced persecution, displacement, or discrimination in different parts of the world.

These conversations provided an opportunity for greater mutual understanding. While the Holocaust represents a specific and devastating chapter in Jewish history, learning about the experiences of different communities can help build a broader awareness of the consequences of intolerance and persecution.

The values of compassion, respect for human dignity, and peaceful coexistence have an important place within Hindu and Indian traditions. Hindu philosophy recognises the interconnectedness of humanity and encourages people to live with respect for others. These principles provide a strong foundation for standing against hatred and discrimination, while encouraging dialogue and understanding between communities.

For HSS (UK), participation in Holocaust Memorial commemorations is therefore not only an act of remembrance but also an opportunity to strengthen relationships with other communities. By listening to different historical experiences and sharing knowledge about Hindu and Indian heritage, communities can develop a deeper appreciation of one another.

The Barnet gathering demonstrated the value of coming together across cultural and religious backgrounds to remember the past, support one another, and promote a future based on respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.