Jom Hasjoa commemorartion

This year's theme is “(loving) Peace”. The speaker this year is Drs Kathleen Ferrier, former member of the Lower House of Parliament. The church will be open from 15:30. Musical participation will be provided by chazan Ken Gould and musicians. Afterwards, flowers will be laid at the Jewish Children's Monument on Rabbi Maarsen Square. Kaddish will also be said there. Students of Sorghvliet Christian Gymnasium and other young people will participate.

This year's commemoration is being held in a world experiencing great tensions. International geopolitical developments bring uncertainty. What the developments will be in the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis that has continued for many decades cannot be foreseen. Since the attack on 7 October 2023, the holding of hostages, the excessive violence and the fragility of the truce, peace seems almost impossible. Do we love peace enough? How can we contribute to fragile peace initiatives? Can we sustain moments of peace? As a working group, we are convinced that a commemoration like ours can offer inspiration as well as comfort. We do not want to let go of each other in these difficult circumstances. We want to hold on to each other because deeply as human beings we may learn to love each other and continue to believe in peace.

The Hague Community of Churches therefore invites all residents of The Hague to attend this gathering this year with extra emphasis. It gives our Jewish fellow city-dwellers confidence that we commemorate the victims with them as we do every year. Moreover, we show that we will not let freedom be taken away from us.