Worcester will unite to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, with events that honour the memory of all who were affected by the Holocaust.
The first event will take place on 27 January at Worcester Guildhall, a date that marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
Holocaust Memorial Day commemorates the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, all victims of Nazi persecution, and those affected by later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Pupils from high schools across Worcester will gather to remember victims of the Holocaust, and the event will feature guest speaker Revd Tony Rindl, whose father came to the UK on the Kindertransport.
The Revd Catherine Lack, Chair of the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, said: “The theme this year is Bridging Generations, and we’re pleased to be involving people of all generations in the event as it helps to ensure that the Holocaust is never forgotten.”
Pupils from Worcester schools have already been preparing by creating art and music for the event.
Revd Catherine said: “In today’s polarised world, this feels even more important. We welcome anyone who wishes to come and remember the victims of the Holocaust and join Worcestershire community members of all ages to make the collective statement of commitment that nothing similar should ever happens again.”
Following the Guildhall event, an exhibition will open at The Hive Library, a joint initiative between the University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council, entitled ‘Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust’. It presents stories of rescue in fourteen European countries, giving voice to both rescuers and survivors, highlighting their courage, resilience, and will to live.
Risking one’s own life to save another person is one of the most extraordinary acts of courage, and the exhibition pays tribute to those who chose to help persecuted Jews, despite the threat of imprisonment, deportation or death.
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “This exhibition will be a powerful reminder of the courage and humanity shown in the darkest of times. By sharing stories of rescue during the Holocaust, we honour those who risked everything to save others and ensure their voices continue to inspire future generations.”
Professor Green added: “At the University of Worcester, we believe education and remembrance go hand in hand, and we warmly invite everyone to visit this exhibition, reflects on these extraordinary acts of bravery, and join us in reaffirming our commitment to stand against hatred and intolerance.”
In addition to the exhibition and Guildhall event, the University of Worcester Arena and the University’s Art House will be illuminated in purple light on January 27th, joining a national Light the Darkness moment.
The exhibition, titled Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust will be open to the public from the afternoon of Monday 2nd February to Saturday 28th February.
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