Friday 27 January 2023 is Holocaust Memorial Day. There are a number of ways you may wish to mark this important anniversary.
Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau – the largest Nazi concentration camp – and remember those persecuted and murdered.
It is also a time to honour the survivors, and those who lost their lives in more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur – to pause and reflect on our personal commitment to challenging prejudice and hatred.
Holocaust Day Memorial Service – St Peter Mancroft Church
All are welcome to attend a service at St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich on Friday 27 January. Guests and attendees are asked to be seated by 10:50am for an 11am start.
This year’s theme
This year’s theme is ‘Ordinary People’ – a poignant reminder that genocide is perpetrated, facilitated and suffered by ordinary people; and this includes those who turn a blind eye, or do not take a stand.
Lord Mayor of Norwich, Dr Cllr Kevin Maguire said:
“We promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of people killed under Nazi Persecution, and all those in subsequent genocides.
Holocaust Memorial Day is still necessary because genocides of people by ethnicity, faith, or sexuality, still happen. Because anti-Semitism, anti-Romani, anti-disabled, homophobic and transphobic feelings still exist.
By coming together, we unite to challenge and make our stance against hate and prejudice clear.”
Rabbi Roderick Young, member of Norwich Synagogue said:
“Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember all the horrific genocides of the last century. After the Nazis perpetrated the Holocaust against Jews, Roma, LGBTQ+ people and so many more, the world said: “Never again!” But then came the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
By listening to survivor testimonies, and by joining together in prayer and reflection, perhaps we can make a small step towards a real ‘never again.’"
Revd Dr Fiona Haworth, Associate Priest St Peter Mancroft, said:
“As we think about 'Ordinary People', the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year, we are encouraged to come together to build a just and fair society in which every member is valued, and to reflect on the actions we can take to combat prejudice and evil, and work towards building a kinder world.”
City Hall will be lit in purple that evening as a further symbol of respect.
Other ways to commemorate:
Light a candle
Light a candle and safely put it in your window to remember those who were murdered for who they were and to show your stand against prejudice and hatred.
Contribute to the Memorial Pages
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has created a digital space where people can learn about the lives of some of those cut short by genocide and create your own tribute. This can be found on the Memorial Pages of its website.
Sharing on social media
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has also provided images and guidance for those who want to help raise awareness on its website.
#HolocaustMemorialDay
#HMD2023
#LightTheDarkness
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