Borough to remember those affected by genocide

A special ceremony to remember all victims of genocide, oppression and torture is being held in Blackburn to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The event organised by Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum and supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will take place at Blackburn Town Hall on Tuesday, January 24.

It will commemorate those affected by the Holocaust, in which millions lost their lives and remember more recent genocides such as those in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.

Participants will be invited to reflect on shameful periods in history and remember its victims, as well as honour the survivors.

The theme this year is ‘How can life go on?’, which aims to encourage people to consider what happens after genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crimes such as our duty towards displaced peoples.

Pupils from 12 schools in the borough will take part in the ceremony along with contribution from Rabbi Arnold Saunders, the Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP, Hamza Khan, and  representatives from the Council including the mayor Councillor Hussain Akhtar and the leader of the Council Councillor Mohammed Khan.

It will also see the lighting of candles at the end of the ceremony by faith representatives from across the borough.

Derek Estill, Secretary of Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum said:

“This is a very important occasion in the life of our town and our nation because we can take time to remember and reflect on the atrocities that have taken place across the world.

“On this special day we particularly remember the Jewish Holocaust as well as the genocides that have occurred since.

“The Interfaith Forum working with and through people from all six major world faiths being practiced in our town therefore urges everyone to take time to reflect on the terrible acts that human beings have inflicted on other human beings and to resolve not to stand by and watch such things happen but to speak up to stop them so that Life Can Go On.”

Councillor Mohammed Khan OBE, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council said:

“It is important that we take part in Holocaust Memorial Day because these terrible atrocities hold many lessons for us all to learn and remember.

“Living together peacefully and being tolerant and accepting of one another’s differences is the only way we can prevent horrendous events like these being repeated.

“We hope as many people as possible will help us to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.”