READING is set to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day with an evening of remembrance and reflection this month.
On Wednesday, January 28, the town will commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides with a service at the Civic Centre.
The event will see choral performances, readings, and prayers marking the international day, focusing on the importance of preserving the memory of the holocaust and carrying forward its lessons to bring hope for the future.
Holocaust Memorial Day is held every year to remember the millions of victims of Nazi persecution and to learn and commemorate where persecution led in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur.
This year’s keynote speakers in Reading are Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who is Senior Rabbi of the Assembly of Masorti Synagogues UK and President of the Council of Christians and Jews, and Mayor of Reading Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles.
Guests will be welcomed by Chair of the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) Ejaz Elahi and reflections and readings will be given by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Andrew Try, Bishop of Reading the Rt Revd Mary Gregory, Reading Council Leader Cllr Liz Terry and Member of the UK Youth Parliament for Reading Maximilian Kalyuzhnov.
Maidenhead Synagogue Choir will perform songs throughout the evening and candles will be lit in memory of those we have lost.
Cllr Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “With so much uncertainty in the world and events moving so quickly, it is important that we sometimes take a moment to pause and reflect.
“Holocaust Memorial Day allows us time to remember the millions who lost their lives in such terrible circumstances, to learn lessons from the past and to consider how we can all play a part in making our society a better place today.
“Reading has a proud history of being a diverse and welcoming town and HMD highlights how vital it is to constantly challenge hatred, prejudice and discrimination and to champion kindness and compassion.
“I look forward to seeing as many people as possible in the Council Chamber for this important evening of reflection.”
George Mathew, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE) said: “ACRE’s purpose and vision are fundamental in creating a cohesive place and space in an ethnically diverse town such as Reading.
“As such, supporting Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is vital to building a kinder, fairer future, and to challenging hatred, prejudice and discrimination wherever they appear.
“In these uncertain times, HMD offers a moment to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect truth, stand up for vulnerable people, and choose compassion over fear.
“This year’s theme, Bridging Generations, is a crucial opportunity to learn and raise awareness for future generations, encouraging active learning and sharing lessons of how to chart a way forward that seeks to bring us all together in common pursuit of a peaceful and safer world.”
Reading’s service marking Holocaust Memorial Day takes place at the Civic Centre, bridge Street, on Wednesday, January 28, from 6.30pm.
The evening will also be streamed live on the Council’s Facebook page from 6.30pm.
Full details available via: reading.gov.uk
