ByCathy Forman, Cathy Forman
Sir Andrew Burns, the Government's first envoy for post-Holocaust issues, addressed the 600-strong gathering at the Yom Hashoah commemoration at the national memorial to the Holocaust at The Dell in Hyde Park.
The former UK ambassador to Israel spoke about the Government's commitment to continue its work in Shoah education across government departments.
Neil Martin, chairman of The Forum for Yom Hashoah, said Sunday's ceremony "was the culmination of a record number of 58 events from across every section of the community to mark the day and ensure that the legacy of remembrance is carried forward for future generations".
The service, which featured musical interludes, readings and presentations from youth groups, was also addressed by Board of Deputies president, Vivian Wineman, who spoke about a commitment to make Yom Hashoah a day of "remembering to be passed from generation to generation". The Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks ,and Israeli Ambassador, Daniel Taub, were also at the service.
The forum's Twitter campaign attracted support from TV presenter Claudia Winkleman and Louise Mensch MP.