Nottingham’s Council House will host a ceremony of commemoration on Monday for victims of the Holocaust.
The memorial service, organised by Nottingham City Council, One Nottingham, Nottingham City Homes and the city’s Inter-Faith Council, will mark National Holocaust Memorial Day. The theme this year is ‘Stand Together’.
Holocaust Memorial Day is on the same date each year and allows people from all backgrounds to come together, remember the past and reflect on racism and intolerance in society today.
People from across the city and county, and from all faiths, have been invited to the service at the Council House, which will open with a welcome by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Rosemary Healy. The event is free and takes place from 3pm until 4.30pm.
The programme will include guest speakers Professor Bill Niven, from Nottingham Trent University; city councillor Rebecca Langton and Jonathan Shaw from Nottingham City Homes; plus prayers and music. The Lord Mayor will light a candle on behalf of the City of Nottingham.
National Holocaust Memorial Day was observed for the first time in January 2001 following widespread support for such a commemoration. Among the aims of the event are to provide a mark of respect for the victims of Nazi persecution, to reflect on recent atrocities that raise similar issues and to promote a democratic and tolerant society.
Councillor Langton, Portfolio Holder for Communities at Nottingham City Council, said: “We can never forget the atrocity of the Holocaust, and other acts of genocide around the world since then, and we must learn from the past to make sure nothing like that ever happens again.
“Today, we remember and commemorate these victims, but also the survivors whose lives were changed beyond recognition.
“This is why it’s so important to respond positively to attempts to divide our communities. We do that by working together and respecting each other. We know in Nottingham that people get along well and are proud of the diversity in their city.”
All members of the local community are invited to come along. Anyone wishing to attend the event will need to register by contacting Sally Radford on 876 5654 or sally.radford@nottinghamcity.gov.uk by noon on Monday.