Holocaust Memorial Day 2018

A moving ceremony to remember all victims of genocide, oppression and torture will be held in January.

Blackburn with Darwen’s Holocaust Memorial Day will be held in the Council Chamber at Blackburn Town Hall, King William Street, from 1.30pm on Monday, January 29^th.

It is organised by Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum and supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, commemorates all those who were affected by the Holocaust, in which millions lost their lives and remembers more recent genocides.

This year, the theme for National Holocaust Memorial Day is “The Power of Words”.

This theme explores how language has been used in genocides and wars of the past, the power of words, and how they are used in the present day, including in the language of people in power and through social media.

The event will be opened by The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Colin Rigby, and the Chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum.

A film on Holocaust Memorial Day 2018 will be followed by short statements from the Interfaith Forum and the Youth MP for Blackburn. There will then be presentations from 13 different Blackburn with Darwen High Schools on continuing Genocides, a Holocaust survivor story and how the Power of Words can help to combat Genocides happening.

Rabbi Arnold Saunders will give the keynote address and Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, will give the closing address.

The end of the ceremony will be marked by the lighting of candles as a sign of peace, unity and hope for the future.

Councillor Mohammed Khan said:

We must always be vigilant about stopping the spread of hate, whether in the form of words or actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with all people who have been affected in this way, and especially today as we remember the victims of the Holocaust and genocides around the world.

I hope people will come along and join us in standing together against all hate crime and ensure that the crimes and the victims are never forgotten and that these atrocities are never repeated.”

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

This is a hugely important annual event as it allows us to reflect on past atrocities, not least the evil of the Holocaust. A huge part of The Interfaith Forum’s work is moving towards a greater peace and understanding and this includes knowing the ‘Power of Words’ and using them for good and not evil.”

Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Colin Rigby, said:

We would like to invite everyone, young and old, to help us mark this important occasion. It is vitally important that we take time to remember and reflect upon these awful events and the effect and power that words and messages can have.”