THIS year’s Holocaust Memorial Day event in Redditch is moving online for the first time in its history.
However organisers, who in the past have brought keynote speakers to the town who have survived genocides across the world, including the Holocaust, have produced a memorable video to mark the occasion.
Holocaust Memorial Day this year is on Wednesday, January 27 but the video will be available on the Borough Council’s website from Tuesday, January 26.
Residents are invited to participate in the event.
It will ‘go live’ on the Borough Council’s YouTube channel at 11am on Tuesday, January 26, the day before national Holocaust Memorial Day.
The programme video on the theme ‘Be the light in the darkness’ has been put together by members of the local community features poetry, performed readings, songs and other tributes.
Boon Yeng, a member of the organising committee, said: “It has been a privilege to be part of this year’s HMD remembrance and a very big thank you to everyone who has contributed to it.
“Whilst we are not able to congregate in person, we are all virtually connected through this cause to be a Shining Light in the Darkness.”
Councillor Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “Through Holocaust Memorial Day we stand together as a community to honour the memory of victims of genocide.
“We must continue to listen and learn from the past to ensure that we do not allow such atrocities to occur again.
“On behalf of the council I’d like to thank all the partners involved in the event. It’s been very different this year but our community spirit shines through.”
For further information on Holocaust Memorial Day visit http://www.hmd.org.uk
Thanks go to Holocaust survivor Bea Green, Redditch Kerala Cultural Association, It’s a Sign, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Youth Representative, Redditch Muslims, Redditch Indian Community, Holy Trinity Redditch, Redditch Sikh Community, Mental Health Action Group Redditch, students and teachers from St Augustine’s High School and a representative of Redditch Youth.
