THOSE killed in genocides around the world will be remembered at this year's Holocaust Memorial Day.
Taking place on 27 January (Monday) – which this year commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in 1945 – the annual event will remember the millions of people killed during the Holocaust, as well as those murdered in subsequent genocides such as Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Bhupen Dave, will join other local dignitaries at De Montfort University for an evening of reflection and commemoration, organised by Leicester’s Holocaust Memorial Day Committee.
Students from three local schools will talk about their experiences of visiting Auschwitz, while there will also be music from Caroline Salinger and an address on this year’s theme, ‘For a Better Future’, by Professor Aubrey Newman, past director of the Stanley Burton Centre for Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
The winning entries in a schools’ essay-writing competition will also be read out.
Lord Mayor Cllr Bhupen Dave said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a reminder of the millions of people, including whole communities, who were murdered in genocides and atrocities, simply for being who they were.
“It is also important to remember that people continue to live under the shadow of more recent atrocities across the world and to reflect on the devastation, terror and tragedy caused by ongoing hatred and violence.
“We have a responsibility to educate others about these horrific events and build a future where we never experience atrocities such as this ever again.”
Monday’s event will take place in the Hugh Aston Building at De Montfort University (The Newarke, Leicester LE2 7BY) from 7pm. All are welcome to attend.
Parking is available in the university’s staff and visitor car park (building 38) at a cost of £2 per vehicle.