In partnership with community groups, Kirklees Council will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday January 27 with events in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.
Holocaust Memorial Day is an international day of remembrance for the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Kirklees Council is working in partnership with organisations to support events which will remember the lives lost through the Holocaust, the Nazi regime and subsequent genocides.
Clr Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “We have a responsibility to educate and understand the atrocious actions that have taken place so they are not repeated and remain a part of history.
“The discrimination or persecution of individuals and groups because of their backgrounds or beliefs should never be tolerated.
“Our borough is committed to being a place of safety and sanctuary to those who have been subjected to this. I encourage you to attend one of the events that are taking place.”
January 23 to 26, 10am – 4pm, Extraordinary Pictures at The Holocaust Centre North, University of Huddersfield
A collection of short films created by 6 million+ Trust and the council featuring portraits of Holocaust survivors and refugees in words and pictures.
Thursday January 26, 7.15pm – Extraordinary People at Dewsbury Town Hall
Working with 6 million+ Trust, Creative Scene, the Brelms Trust, and the Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre, the council will be hosting a partnership event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
The event will feature speeches, stories and performances from schools, community groups and faith leaders. Three of the Weeping Sisters puppets will greet people outside the town hall as they arrive.
They will also be part of the indoor event when attendees will hear imaginary conversations with each of the sisters who will talk about victims, perpetrators and survivors through the voices of young people.
The Mayor of Kirklees and Holocaust survivor Martin Kapel will be in attendance.
Mayor of Kirklees Clr Masood Ahmed said: “The diversity in our communities is what makes them strong, and I have seen first-hand how groups and volunteers help those who have been subjected to discrimination.
“We are fortunate that survivors of the Holocaust will be attending some of the events so they can tell their stories.
“I would like to thank all those who have come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. It remembers the past injustices but it also demonstrates that we have a positive future as people from different cultures and faiths have come together to make this commemoration happen.”
