Marking Holocaust Memorial Day

Today (Monday) is Holocaust Memorial Day - a day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

This year, we are marking 75 years since the liberation of the concentration camps of Europe and the end of the Second World War. At the end of the month, on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, people across the globe will remember.

In the lead up to and on Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘Stand Together’.

People can visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website for more information and to find out about events happening near you https://www.hmd.org.uk/

High Peak Borough Council say it will be adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition of antisemitism in the near future.

Derbyshire County Council tweeted their support for the day:

Today we're marking #HolocaustMemorialDay. We #StandTogether to challenge prejudice and hatred, and work towards a better future. https://t.co/6qwrsc7CWM pic.twitter.com/WVlOpxGdU8

— Derbyshire CC (@Derbyshirecc) January 27, 2020

Meanwhile, High Peak MP Robert Largan has signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging his commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as paying tribute to the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people today.

After signing the Book of Commitment, Mr Largan commented: "Holocaust Memorial Day is an important moment to reflect on the darkest times of European history. As the Holocaust moves from living history, to history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the six million Jewish victims and also pay tribute to the survivors.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: "As the Holocaust moves further into history, it falls on all of us to ensure that their stories and the stories of the six Jewish million men, women and children brutally murdered by the Nazis, are never forgotten. We all have a duty to remember the Holocaust and to stand up against antisemitism and hate, now more than ever."