The annual Holocaust Memorial Day will take place in January and will be marked in Coventry with an event at the Belgrade Theatre.
The international annual event, which is held on 27 January each year, will focus on the theme of Bridging Generations to highlight that the responsibility of remembrance doesn't end with the survivors - it lives on through their children, their grandchildren and through everyone. A different theme is chosen each year by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.
The event is ticketed and free to attend and is due to run from midday to 3.20pm on Tuesday 27 January.
Those who attend can expect to see speakers share their stories, as well as music and moving performances. The event will remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust under Nazi persecution.
The main speaker for this year’s event is Jeanette Marx, a second-generation Holocaust survivor, representing Generation 2 Generation. She will share her mother’s experience of being transported to concentration camps from their home in Poland. Her mother used to share her experience as a speaker, but after passing away in 2012, Jeanette now takes that role.
Jeanette said: "Words of incitement to hate have only one purpose, to breed hate. That is why Holocaust Memorial Day is so very important. It reminds us how far hate can reach with disastrous consequences.
“My role is to pass on – to bridge from my mother's generation, to my own and then onto following generations – the message that we must live with respect, tolerance and acceptance of everyone, as we are all human beings."
Reflecting Coventry’s diverse population, including significant East African communities, the programme includes commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities at Coventry City Council, will also be speaking at the event.
He added: “Each year, the annual Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a crucial moment as we remember those who lost their lives in the holocaust.
“We also remember those who have been affected by or have lost their lives in other genocides that have happened across the world.
“We are proud to welcome people of all backgrounds to our city, and we will continue to be a welcoming city of sanctuary. Our city’s past shows us how important it is to come together to build a positive, peaceful future.
“I am so proud of the support we provide as a city and will continue to play a part in promoting our role of being a City of Peace and Reconciliation so generations to come can continue spread this message.”
Attendees can also expect to see students from local secondary schools in Year 10 and above participating through spoken word, poetry, reading, songs or brief performances.
Other local poets, speakers and dancers will contribute to the programme throughout the event.
Councillor Rachel Lancaster, Lord Mayor of Coventry, stated: “Coventry is proud to hold an event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, an important occasion that reminds us of the need for remembrance, understanding and compassion.
“Coventry’s international role as a City of Peace and Reconciliation highlights our commitment to welcoming people, creating unity and promoting peace and friendship.
“Everyone who calls Coventry home plays a part in spreading this message. It’s important that we continue to promote the message of peace and reconciliation, whilst working with younger generations so they can take this forward in the years to come.”
For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day, please visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website. To book a free place at this year’s event in Coventry, please visit the Holocaust Memorial Day event page.