READING Borough Council has announced the details of its commemorative event for Holocaust Memorial Day 2023.
On Wednesday, January 25, the council will be holding its annual civic commemoration which will mark the day with an evening of reflection at the civic offices.
The event will follow the global theme of the day for 2023 of “ordinary people,” focussing on the ordinary people who actively perpetrated genocide as well as the ordinary people who were persecuted.
It is intended to prompt discussion of how ordinary people can play a bigger part in challenging prejudice.
A candle lighting and memorial ceremony will take place as well as a performance by the Maidenhead Synagogue Choir.
There will also be a speech on the current situation in the Ukraine from Mick Polleck of Reading Ukrainian Community Centre.
Viktoriia Lahodynska, a former teacher of school #70 of Kyiv City, Ukraine, will also give a speech.
Councillor Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect on the human tragedy of the Holocaust and genocides across the world and remember those murdered.
“It is a vital opportunity to learn and raise awareness, just as it also offers a chance to reflect on how we might chart a way forward in seeking a common pursuit of a safer, better future.
He continued: “I’d like to encourage residents to join the commemoration online via our Facebook page, and if they are able, light a candle to illuminate the darkness,
“Both to remember those murdered only for being who they were and to stand against prejudice and hatred in society today.
“There can be no room for intolerance or prejudice.”
Victor Koroma, general manager at the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) said: “We are in a phase of human relations when the concept of ‘Cancel Culture’ is a new meaning that fills one with a sense of foreboding.
“We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust as an example of what happens when we lose sight of the need to protect democracy, individual, and group rights.
“Ordinary and well-meaning people, especially in Reading, have always stood up against extremism, and long may they continue to do so.”
The Holocaust Memorial Day commemorative event will take place outside the civic offices, Bridge Street, on Wednesday, January 25, from 6.30pm, and will be streamed on the council’s facebook page.
Holocaust Memorial Day will be observed two days later on Friday, January 27.
