A statement from the Mayor of Kingston on Holocaust Memorial Day
This Thursday, 27 January, is Holocaust Memorial Day. Councillor Sushila Abraham, Mayor the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, provides a statement on behalf of the borough:
She said:
Holocaust Memorial Day is a day where we reflect on past horrors, pay tribute to the millions of people who have lost their lives in genocides across the world and remember the strength of those who survived, but whose lives were be shaped by those experiences.
We must never forget the lives of those killed in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed such as in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
As we remember, reflect and learn from these horrific events we must learn to forge a better future together and fight against injustice, discrimination and hate.
Holocaust Memorial Day also casts a light on injustices that still happen everyday. This year’s theme is for ‘One Day’ without genocide, racism or hatred, a reminder that right now we need to challenge this and support those affected, both locally and across the world.
Many free events are taking place nationally and close to Kingston, including a small exhibition in Epsom, in neighbouring Surrey.
Residents can visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website to find events taking place, to learn about what it means, and to hear stories from the Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.