HUNDREDS of people turned out to mark Holocaust Memorial Day at a poignant service in Hendon.

Dignitaries and members of the public attended the annual event at Middlesex University’s campus in The Burroughs on Sunday (January 17).

Speakers included the chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Olivia Marks-Woldman, Joshua Castellino, Dean of the School of Law at Middlesex University, and students from JCoSS.

This year’s theme was ‘Don’t Stand By’, which focused on individual responsibilities not to be bystanders to hate crime and prejudice, or international threats of genocide.

There were performances from London Cantorial Singers and Alyth Youth Choir, and music was provided by the Barnet Wind Band. An estimated 300 people attended.

Barnet Mayor Councillor Mark Shooter also spoke during the service.

He said: “This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day service was once again a very poignant and thought provoking commemoration.

“It was moving to see so many people united in remembering all those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and in other genocides.”

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers was among the guests, along with Hendon MP Matthew Offord and Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer.

Ms Villiers said: “We must never allow this horrific part of Europe’s history to be forgotten. It should always serve as a reminder of the appalling consequences to which racism, intolerance and hatred can lead.

“The Mayor of Barnet spoke eloquently about how many of his relatives escaped from Nazi persecution but sadly his great grandmother did not and became one of the millions of victims of the Holocaust.

“Both the Mayor and leader of the council spoke about the importance of Holocaust commemoration for a borough like ours which is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the UK.”