A memorial tree was planted in Sunderland city centre's Minister Park on Holocaust Memorial Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the Association of Jewish refugees.
A total of 80 trees are being planted across the country as part of the '80 trees for 80 years' project - paying tribute to the significant contributions that Jewish refugees made to Britain following their escape from a Nazi occupied Europe during World War II.
A number of locations were considered for the planting of trees, and organisers ended up deciding on Sunderland due to its history in assisting Jewish refugees.
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This includes the heroic efforts of the Sunderland-born Cook sisters who saved 29 Jewish escapees from Nazi Germany in the three years leading up to the Second World War.
Ida and Louise would smuggle out the valuables of Jews anxious to find refuge in Britain, who were not allowed to take out any wealth from the Nazi state but needed to be able to satisfy the financial requirements to enter the UK.
For their brave and honourable efforts, a blue commemorative plaque on the sisters’ home in Croft Avenue in the city was placed in 2017.
The city also had a reputation for housing Jewish refugee children during and after the war.
Members of the association were given the opportunity to sponsor the planting of a native oak tree, in memory of a loved one or as part of the 80th milestone anniversary
Sunderland's tree was sponsored by Dr Ron Burnett, in memory of his parents Sophie and Walter who fled Austria in the 1930s.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland were in attendance for the ceremony of planting, alongside representatives from Sunderland Interfaith Forum.
Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Harry Trueman, said: "Sunderland is extremely proud to be among just 80 UK locations chosen to host one of these living memorials sponsored by a member of The Association of Jewish Refugees in memory of a loved one.
"It is significant that the planting is taking place on Holocaust Memorial Day, when we remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust.
"This is important both on HMD and all year round as it helps us to remember the lives lost and teach future generations about the consequences of racism and hatred.
"I hope that this tree planted today will serve as a lasting reminder."
A virtual event from Sunderland Interfaith Forum has also been shared online by Sunderland City Council, featuring speeches from Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Susan Winfield, and Rabbi Sybil Sheridan of Newcastle Reform Synagogue.
A heartfelt song from Redby Primary School Academy Choir can also be viewed, as well as a presentation from Norren Plen on her parents' survival during the Holocaust.
The virtual event can be viewed on Sunderland City Council's social media channels, or on their official YouTube page, here.
For more information on what happened nationally for Holocaust Memorial Day, visit the official website here.
