This week will mark the 21st annual Holocaust Memorial Day, and Reading Borough Council have got a special remembrance event to mark the occasion.

Taking place on the 27, January each year, it has been a part of the UK calendar since 2001.

This year’s theme is One Day.

Reading Borough Council are to host an evening of reflection on Wednesday, 26 January at 19.30.

Held at the Council Chamber, a limited audience of 30 will be able to attend the event, however it is being live streamed to the Council Facebook page.

The event is supported by Reading Hebrew Congregation, Maidenhead Synagogue, Reading Refugee Support Group, and the Berkshire Rwandese Community.

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

The free event will be a mix of live and online elements, including speakers, choral performances, and an address from Mr Tom Lake, the son of Jewish refugees from Vienna.  

The evening will also feature a Candle lighting & Memorial Ceremony, The Maidenhead Synagogue Choir, and ‘The Impact of Hate’ speech by Prof Dan Stone, Royal Holloway University of London.

Leader of Reading Borough Council, Jason Brock, said: ““Holocaust Memorial Day allows us to reflect on the lives tragically lost during the Holocaust, and in genocides that have followed across the world.

“It is a vital opportunity to learn and raise awareness, just as it also offers a chance to reflect on how to chart a way forward that seeks to bring us all together in the common pursuit of a safer, better future.  

“I’d like to encourage residents to join the ceremony online via our Facebook page, and if they are able, light a candle to illuminate the darkness to remember those who were murdered for who they were, and stand against prejudice and hatred in society today.” 

 

You can find the live stream at https://www.facebook.com/Readingcouncil