The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2013 is “Communities together: Build a Bridge” asking you to remember and stand by those who were forced to live through these experiences. We want you to honour those communities which were destroyed in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
History tells us that communities which have lived side by side peacefully for generations and even centuries can be persuaded to turn on each other with murderous intent. People were betrayed by their neighbours and removed from safety of their former communities and subjected to extremes of violence and injustice. It is the courage and determination of those who survived and rebuilt their lives that we can draw on today.
In cities, towns and villages – wherever we live, there are others around us. Our communities are made up of individuals with different backgrounds, occupations and lives. Communities may be defined by geography, by interest, by cultural activities or by faith. On HMD 2013, whether individually or as groups we can make links, forge connections and reach out to different communities.
Today, we each have responsibilities as individuals and as members of our own communities. We can start by getting to know and supporting diverse communities in the UK and the individuals who make up the whole. We can respect each other’s differences and places in communities. Ultimately, some of the ways in which you can prevent hatred and discrimination are by making connections with, and between, communities.
Please visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website by following the link below; here you can view the theme video for 2013, survivor stories along with lots of other information: http://buildabridge.hmd.org.uk
Holocaust Memorial Day events
If you would like to attend a local event for Holocaust Memorial Day the following events are taking place in Shropshire:
Telford and Wrekin Council |
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| Date: | Friday 25 January 2013 |
| Start Time: | 10.00 am |
| Venue: | Walker Room, Meeting Point House, Southwater Square, Telford |
| Event: | An opening ceremony and exhibition as well as a talk from Holocaust survivor Janine Webber. |
Shrewsbury College, Shropshire Council and Shropshire Partnership Equalities Forum |
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| Date: | Sunday 27 January 2013 |
| Start Time: | 6.30 pm |
| Venue: | Shrewsbury College Performing Arts Theatre, London Road |
| Event: | A Holocaust Memorial ‘A journey over Bridges through a Girl’s Eyes’ which will include performance, music and drama. * Tickets are required in advance* |
South Shropshire Interfaith Forum |
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| Date: | Sunday 27 January 2013 |
| Start Time: | 6.30 pm |
| Venue: | Craven Arms Community Centre |
| Event: | Remembering the Holocaust and Genocides in living memory, shared conversation about world crises and their impact on us, how together we may build bridges along with a time of reflection in readings, music, images and silence. |
Please note that numbers may be limited at these events so please contact the organisers in advance. Flyers for these events are listed on the website under events.
Further information about Holocaust Memorial Day can be found on the following website: www.hmd.org.uk
