Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to "reflect upon the tragedies and horrors of the past", Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS has said ahead of commemorations on January 27.

She added that the commemorative day was a chance to "think about our responsibilities as individuals, citizens and nations to be tolerant of one another and respect others".

Holocaust Memorial Day marks 77 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp and serves as a time of remembrance and reflection of the unspeakable things Jewish people and others experienced in Nazi death camps and ghettos, from the torture to the mass exterminations.

It is also now used to commemorate all those lost in genocides since World War Two, including Rwanda, Cambodia, Bosnia and many more.

Jane Dodds stated:

"In the last few years, we have seen a rise in the politics of division that is reminiscent of an old and ugly Europe. In this environment, we must continue to champion a country that is open, tolerant and united.

"This year we remember the survivors, who time and time again demonstrate both dignity and courage as they rebuild and restore their communities from the ruins. We also remember the divisive ideas and practices from the past- so that they may never be repeated ever again.

"We must continue to be bastions of hope in the tempest of fear, hatred and division; steadfast in the confidence that the ties that bind us are far stronger than any force that could ever divide or destroy us.

“We must never forget the lesson - that every human life should be valued and cared for.”

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust are urging people to mark the event by “lighting the darkness” by lighting candles at 8pm and safely putting them in their windows to:

remember those who were murdered for who they were
stand against prejudice and hatred today

People can find more information on Holocaust Memorial Day at: https://www.hmd.org.uk/

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