A free event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, January 27 at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Schoolhill.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2020 marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 25th anniversary of the Genocide in Bosnia.
The theme of HMD 2020 is Stand Together. It explores how genocidal regimes throughout history have fractured societies by marginalising certain groups, and how these tactics can be challenged by individuals standing together with their neighbours and speaking out against oppression.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett will welcome attendees to the hour-long event, which is open to all, and will include music by Powidok, a presentation by pupils from Aberdeen Grammar School and a short talk from a representative from the Travelling community. Attendees will be invited to ‘Stand Together’ to observe a minute’s silence at 12.30pm to remember past and present victims of genocide and will be invited to write their reflections and thoughts in the guest book.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said: “Sadly intolerance and inequality still continue to affect people across the world in a very serious way today.
“Holocaust Memorial Day is a time for everyone to pause to remember the millions of people affected by the Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides.
“It is extremely important that we continue to remember the victims of these atrocities and learn from the past to help build a better future for all.”
Mark Taylor, treasurer, Aberdeen Synagogue said: “The events organised for Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 are aimed at ensuring the memory of the Holocaust and other genocides are kept alive and that lessons are learned for today and for future generations. We wanted to give a platform to school children who have visited concentration camps, and from individuals who have been personally affected by genocide.
“We feel it’s essential for communities in Aberdeen, and elsewhere, to join together in solidarity, standing together to reflect on those who have been lost, and making a commitment to preventing any similar tragedies in the future.
“This year has additional poignancy as the events will also mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Concentration Camp and the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.”
Holocaust Memorial Day in Aberdeen is organised by Grampian Regional Equality Council, Aberdeen Synagogue, Four Pillars, Polish Association Aberdeen, Unite, the University of Aberdeen, community members and supported by Aberdeen City Council.
For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day visit https://www.hmd.org.uk/
