Hull Reform Remembrance Day 2022
ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT NE’VE SHALOM
On Sunday 13th November 2022, Ne’ve Shalom, the Hull Reform Synagogue held it’s Annual Remembrance Service. Due to the ‘lockdown’, this was the first opportunity since 2019 to hold a Service.
A small group came together to plan the event which was led by the Chair, Ian Sugarman, Vice Chair, Aimi Sugarman, with support from the Charity Manager, Laura Rhodes. The event was promoted through interviews on BBC Radio Humberside and through the various inter-faith and educational advisory networks.
The Shul had excellent support from the wider community and had the pleasure of welcoming the Lord Mayor of Hull, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, the Deputy Mayor of Beverley Town Council, the President of the Royal British Legion (Willerby, Anlaby & Kirkella, a Humberside Police Chief Inspector and many other high profile guests supporting the Service, along with a further 60 plus guests in attendance.
Ian Sugarman led the moving service and members of the Royal British Legion were in attendance carrying the standard in memory of the fallen.
The Service started with the lighting the six-branch menorah and a prayer for the ‘six million’ followed by the laying wreaths in memory of the fallen victims from the war by members of the Jewish and wider community.
There followed some powerful stories about members of the local Jewish community who gave their lives in the World Wars read by family members, poems from a Jewish English poet who died serving in World War 1. Councillor Christine Randall recalled her remembrance memories and Councillor John Robinson’ closing remarks reflected on the similarities of Nazi extremism with the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, pointing out that the President of Ukraine, being a Jew, was well aware of the history of torture and persecution.
The part of the Service dedicated to the Acts of Remembrance were extremely moving and Ben Parry’s playing of the Last Post and Reveille was outstanding. The Shul was also indebted to PC Danny Fleming for the playing of his bagpipes which added solemnity to the entire Service.
Following the Service, the refreshments were very well received by all.
Following the Service, the Shul has received many communications expressing thanks for providing a moving and relevant service of remembrance. Please God, next year.
