RESIDENTS are invited to join the Mayor of Redditch, Coun Joanna Kane for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) Service, writes Toby Almond.
There will be two separate events taking place on Saturday, January 24, to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.
The first is an Outdoor Commemoration Service at the Redditch Holocaust Memorial Marker, Redditch Town Hall Centre, from 10.30am to 11am.
After this, is a ticketed indoor event will take place at the Ecumenical Centre, Evesham Street, from 11am until 1.45pm, where attendees will have the opportunity to hear a first-hand testimony from survivor of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Leija Golos.
‘Bridging Generations’ is this year’s theme across the country, as a reminder that the responsibility of remembrance doesn’t end with the survivors.
It lives on through their children, grandchildren and all those committed to ensuring such atrocities are never forgotten.
Coun Sharon Harvey, Redditch Borough Council leader, said: “As we observe this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme of ‘Bridging Generations’ it is vital for our community to pause and reflect on the profound suffering caused by the Holocaust.
“By acknowledging this tragic history, we can better understand the ongoing injustices faced by many around the world today.
“We invite all residents to join us in this crucial moment of reflection, honouring those who have endured pain and suffering due to dehumanisation and hate.
“Let us strive for a world filled with peace, love and respect, united as one humanity, without divisions.”
Holocaust Memorial Day, officially observed on January 27, is held annually as a day for people around the world to remember the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Coun Bill Hartnett, Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Committee, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the horrors of the past, remembering all those who lost their lives in the atrocities of the Holocaust and genocides around the world.
“Our speaker this year is Leijla Golos, a survivor from the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina 31 years ago.
“It is our goal, through these events, that everyone in our communities feel their history is remembered and everyone has a chance to reflect meaningfully on this important day of commemoration.”
Visit redditchbc.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-and-events/posts/holocaust-memorial-day-2026/ to book free tickets for the event.
