Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of the largest of the Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
On this day, people around the world remember the millions persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust and also in more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
In Norwich, this will be marked with a civic service at St Peter Mancroft Church on Friday 26 January 2024.
Holocaust Memorial Day Service - St Peter Mancroft Church
Friday 26 January 2024, 11:00am
All are welcome to attend a service at St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, on Friday 26 January. Guests and attendees are asked to be seated by 10:50am for an 11am start.
For those unable to attend in-person, the service can be watched live on YouTube.
This year’s theme for Holocaust memorial Day is ‘The Fragility of Freedom’ - a reminder that in every genocide that has taken place, those who are targeted for persecution have had their freedom restricted and removed, before many of them are murdered.
The multi-faith commemoration service will include the lighting of candles for the victims of the Holocaust and Nazi Persecution, and for those of the genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur. An additional candle will also be lit for those facing conflict, violence and persecution today.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor James Wright will give the greeting with an introduction by Rabbi Roderick Young, member of Norwich Synagogue, and Prayers of Penitence will led by Revd Dr Fiona Haworth.
There will also be readings from pupils from Notre Dame High School, City of Norwich School, and Norwich High School for Girls; and a reading from Rwandan genocide survivor Marie-Lyse Numuhoza.
Lord Mayor of Norwich, Cllr James Wright said:
“We promote this day in order to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of people killed under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda and Burundi, Bosnia and Darfur.
“Holocaust Memorial Day is still necessary because genocide still exists. It still happens to people because of their ethnicity, faith, or sexuality: anti-Semitism, anti-Romani, anti-disabled, homophobic, and transphobic feelings still exist.
“The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day. Today our world feels fragile and vulnerable, and we cannot be complacent. Even in the UK prejudice - and the language of hatred - must be challenged by us all.”
City Hall will be lit in purple this weekend as a further symbol of respect.
Here is a video from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mike Stonard:
There are other ways in which you can take part in Holocaust Memorial Day:
Light a candle
Light a candle and safely put it in your window at 8pm on January 27 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
#HMD2024
#LightTheDarkness
Watch this video on YouTube to find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day: https://youtu.be/wCYAFWiZfRg
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