Don’t Stand By
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place on 27 January and Telford & Wrekin Council will be honouring the day with a number of commemorative events.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a national event dedicated to the memory of the victims of The Holocaust and other genocides. It aims to promote harmony among all communities. On HMD, we honour the survivors and learn the lessons of their experiences to challenge hatred and discrimination in the UK today.
Every year Telford & Wrekin Council work with schools, colleges and volunteers to commemorate the day, for which this year’s theme is ‘Don’t Stand By’.
The theme calls on people to act and not be a bystander, ‘Don’t Stand By’, where they see injustice, discrimination or crimes motivated by hatred.
As was succinctly quoted by the famous Albert Einstein, “The world is a dangerous place not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”
Three events will be taking place on 27 January at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place:
• Exhibition 9am-1pm and 3.30-5.30pm – pop in and take a look at an exhibition with stories of people who took action during the Holocaust and other genocides. The exhibition will also include local initiatives that support people.
• Civic ceremony – this takes place from 2-3pm
• Talk by Jane Abudulla 6-7pm – Jane is the Operations Manager for the British Red Cross and will be talking about the role of the Red Cross during the Holocaust and what they have done since to help refugees in war.
Councillor Kuldip Sahota, Council Leader, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important occasion each year, giving us the opportunity to think about what people went through during the Holocaust and other genocides.
“It’s a time to reflect on our own behaviour and the behaviour of others, and look at ways that we can be more considerate to situations that present themselves in our everyday lives.
“And as this year’s theme suggests we have the power to help people and step in where we see injustice taking place, we can make the decision to ‘don’t stand by’.
“I would encourage everyone in the borough to either get along to an event to find out more, or if that isn’t possible take a look online and find out how you can make a difference, however small in your everyday life.
To find out more about any of the events visit www.telford.gov.uk/hmd email yourviewsmatter@telford.gov.uk or call the Community Participation Team on 01952 382131.
