An online candle-lighting event will take place on Wednesday 27th January this week as part of Nottingham’s annual commemoration for victims of the Holocaust. To join the event please contact ncbinotts@ncbi.org.uk.
In normal times, a civic service is held at the Council House which allows people from all backgrounds to come together, remember the past, commemorate victims and take a stand against racism and intolerance in today’s society.
National Holocaust Memorial Day was observed for the first time in January 2001 following widespread support for such a commemoration. It aims to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
This year, the theme for National Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘Be the light in the darkness’. The Council House will be illuminated on this evening to mark the occasion.
Councillor Langton, Portfolio Holder for Communities at Nottingham City Council, said: “We must never forget the atrocity of the Holocaust, and other acts of genocide around the world since then. Marking Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to remember the victims and to commit ourselves to learning from the past to make sure nothing like that ever happens again.
“Although we cannot physically come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, on this day we remember and commemorate these victims, as well as the survivors whose lives were changed beyond recognition.
“Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us why it is so important to respond 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, but we can never take this for granted, and we must challenge hate and prejudice wherever it occurs.”
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Healy said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a time when we seek to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own – it is a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented.”
NCBI Nottingham have organised a community online Candlelit Memorial Event, supported by Colour of Love, Nottingham Stand Up to Racism and Nottingham City Council. This will take place virtually through Zoom on Wednesday 27th January between 6pm and 7pm.