READING Borough Council has laid out its plans to mark Holocaust Memorial Day next week.
An annual civic event is held to mark an evening of remembrance, commemorate victims of the Holocaust, and subsequent genocides worldwide.
The date falls on Wednesday, January 22, the 80th anniversary year of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.
A free civic commemoration will adhere to the global Holocaust Memorial Day theme for this year, ‘For a Better Future,’ which aims to inspire open discussions about what communities can do to create a better future, speak up against the Holocaust, challenge prejudice, and help others learn about the past.
The event will feature various live elements including speakers, prayers, and choral performances by the Maidenhead Synagogue Choir.
Charlie Knight, historian of the Holocaust and German-Jewish History at the University of Southampton and a fellow of Leo Baeck Institute, will be among those speaking, to give a talk connecting the narratives of those who remained in Germany during the War with those who left for Britain.
Bakhit Adam, chairman of the Reading Sudanese Community, will discuss the current situation in Darfur, Sudan.
The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try, The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, and keynote speakers will take part in the lighting of the candles for peace, in memory of those lost.
Councillor Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said:
“On Holocaust Memorial Day, Reading’s multi-faith community comes together to remember those who have tragically died, and those who are still sadly losing their lives, through war, conflict, and hate crime.
“I hope as many people as possible will join us in the Council Chamber for this important evening of reflection–it is an opportunity for us all to learn both from and about the events of the past and take action to ensure a better future for all, standing united against those who seek to divide us, and against all forms of hate.”
George Mathew, Interim CEO at the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE), said:
“Now more than ever, Holocaust Memorial Day is for people and communities to come together and remember our shared humanity.
“Furthermore, it is a clear historical warning of what racism, bigotry, hatred, and wars can lead to.”
The evening proceedings will also be streamed live on the council’s Facebook page from 6.30pm.
Members of the public are invited to attend the event in person, though pre-registration is required via: reading.gov.uk/hmd25.
