Holocaust Memorial Day this year marks two notable anniversaries.
In addition to the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27 in 1945, this year is the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia.
In remembrance of those fateful events and other genocides across the world, Croydon will honour the memory of victims with a public candle-lighting ceremony and an opportunity to sign the book of remembrance.
The event will take place in the foyer of Croydon Town Hall in Katharine Street, Croydon, on Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Tuesday 27 January at noon.
This will be followed by a civic event from 12.30pm to 1.40pm in the council chamber, featuring presentations from local schools, and reminiscences from Lord Alf Dubs, formerly MP and director of the Refugee Council, who came to England as one of many European child evacuees on the Kindertransport in the months prior to the outbreak of World War II.
HMD is an international event remembering those murdered in the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides, including those in Bosnia, Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur. This year’s theme is Keep the Memory Alive.
Each of the borough’s libraries will be taking part by hosting dedicated exhibitions, including a talk by Rabbi Natan Asmoucha, of Croydon Synagogue, between 2.15pm and 3.30pm at Shirley Library.
“The events at Auschwitz, Srebrenica and other atrocities across the world, while terrible to contemplate, must never be forgotten.
Keeping the memory alive is the best way for people to be aware of what can result from such negative aspects of human nature as hatred, prejudice and discrimination.
The candle-lighting ceremony, held each year in Croydon, does keep the memory alive and it helps unite our borough’s diverse communities in recognition of those who lost their lives to genocide.”
Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for safety and justice
To attend the Town Hall event, confirm attendance by emailing communityrelations@croydon.gov.uk or calling 020 8726 6000 extension 62530.
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