Be the Light in the Darkness- An online event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2021
On Thursday 27 January at 11am, you are invited to join a special pre-recorded online service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 (HMD).
Join the event online
You can join the event online.
Working in partnership with 6 million+ Charitable Trust, Creative Scene, the Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre and Bradford Council, we present this moving event which incorporates poetry readings, reflections and music from local authority leaders, faith representatives and the local community along with a unique puppet show with a powerful story.
What is Holocaust Memorial Day?
HMD is an international day of remembrance for the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust throughout under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of this year’s Holocaust commemorations. On the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, it is vitally important that we remember those who lost their lives so brutally and in such unimaginable circumstances.
You don’t need to spend much time on to social media to see that hatred, intolerance and misinformation are still part of our society. We can’t ignore or deny it.
The best friend oppression has ever had is complacency. That’s why it’s up to every single of one of us to stand up to injustice and challenge prejudice wherever we see it.
It is our responsibility to learn, understand and educate each other to ensure that horrors of the past stay as history and do not repeat themselves. We must also teach our children, and each other, the values of tolerance, fairness and kindness.
Our biggest strength in Kirklees is our diversity. As the leader of this council I will work tirelessly to ensure that Kirklees is a welcoming and tolerant borough.”
Councillor Mumtaz Hussain, Mayor of Kirklees said:
“On this anniversary, let that be a reminder to us all, now and in the future, that persecution of groups and individuals no matter what their background or beliefs cannot and should not be tolerated.”
We must stand firm together against all forms of hatred in our country and in our communities.
The pandemic has meant that we have faced barriers of uncertainty and isolation, but I have witnessed and experienced the resilience, kindness and creativity of our communities across Kirklees. I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this virtual event in such challenging circumstances, you have provided us the opportunity to commemorate all those who have lost their lives.”
How to join in
It’s easy to join in from home, or wherever you are and take time to reflect and remember. Please visit the 6Million Plus YouTube channel.
Towards the end of the service, you are invited to light a candle of remembrance and hope.
Who are 6Million Plus?
6 Million Plus is a creative arts project with an extended family of refugees and local communities. They help to express stories of the Holocaust, genocides and contemporary persecution at home and abroad and are working towards a kinder future for all.