A special commemorative oak tree has been planted in Tynemouth Park to mark the 80th anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR).
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE, and local councillors were invited to say a few words and help plant the oak in the centre of the park on Holocaust Memorial Day.
The Association for Jewish Refugees (AJR) is a national charity providing social and welfare services to Holocaust refugees and survivors in the UK.
The tree is one of 80 oaks being planted across Britain to acknowledge the contribution made to British life by refugees who escaped from Nazi persecution.
Tynemouth Park was chosen because of its proximity to a former hostel on Percy Park, where Jewish children were housed following their escape from Nazi persecution during the Second World War.
The tree is accompanied by a plaque dedicated to the memory of Anne Judith Donath, ‘who found refuge here from Hungary in 1942’ and the tree is sponsored by her brother, George Donath.
Also in attendance was Councillor Muriel Green, Chair of Holocaust Memorial Day Committee.
Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE said: “This is a day when we all come together to remember the millions of people murdered by the Nazis and by other regimes in countries around the world.
“I am proud that North Tyneside was selected as one of 80 locations to receive a commemorative tree and I think this is the perfect place for it, in the peaceful surroundings of Tynemouth Park, so close to the former hostel where young refugees were received with kindness and compassion by the people of Tynemouth.
“The tree will serve as a lasting reminder of the atrocities that were committed and of the suffering that people endured during those dark days. It will also stand in testament to the kindness of local people who gave their assistance to the refugees when they arrived here all those years ago.”
Dave Moon, of the Association of Jewish Refugees, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is when communities all around the world take time to remember the atrocities that happened in Europe during World War Two and vow to never let them happen again. So, we are both humbled and proud that Tynemouth has chosen to mark this special week in this way.
“This park is one of 80 different locations around the UK where the AJR is planting our trees. From the north of Scotland down to the coast of Cornwall, from the port of Harwich in Essex to Brighton in Sussex we are marking 80 places that were hugely important to Jewish refugees 80 years ago. And forty of those trees are being planted this week.
“Each tree celebrates the remarkable impact that has been made by Jewish refugees to different walks of British life. And they also help the refugees to give something back to the country which became their home. We are delighted that it is being planted here in this lovely park and we thank you all again for your support with this wonderful project.”