Holocaust Memorial Day 2020

Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and Nazi persecutions, as well as other genocides around the world.  This year marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

The theme for this year’s event, which takes place in the Banqueting Suite, is Stand Together, which explores how genocidal regimes throughout history have fractured societies by marginalising certain groups, how these tactics can be challenged by individuals standing together with their neighbours and speaking out against oppression.

Cllr John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Community Safety and Equalities at Birmingham City Council, will host the ceremony. All are welcome and admission is free.

Doors open at 1pm and visitors will be invited to light a candle in remembrance before the ceremony starts at 2pm.

The programme will feature testimony from Mindu Hornick, who will talk about her experiences as a Holocaust survivor, along with music and prayers – including performances from Simone Schehtman, Kirsty Robinson, the Kol Kinor Choir and Young Poet Laureate Aliyah Begum.

Students from Bordesley Green Girls School will also reflect on what Holocaust Memorial Day means to them.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Mohammed Azim, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity for everyone to pause, reflect and learn lessons from the past and apply them to the present day, to create a safer, better future.

“I feel privileged to have this chance to light a candle for the victims of all atrocities and genocides around the world, as well as those who are still sadly losing their lives through war, conflict and hate crime. I hope as many people as possible will join me in this act of remembrance on Sunday – everyone is welcome.”

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day, please visit:  www.hmd.org.uk