HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2021 - UK Commemorative Ceremony for Be the light in the darkness
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UK Commemorative Ceremony for HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2021 Be the light in the darkness Broadcast online Wednesday 27 January 2021
resplendent commitment to the task of resolving conflict between communities and
world-views. Unafraid of confronting humanity’s failings, yet unshakeable in his belief
in humanity’s potential, he displayed what seems to me the essential balance of
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goodwill andhere]
good sense that is necessary for goodness to prevail. May his light
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continue to shine and his memory live on as a blessing.
As Rabbi Lord Sacks said so memorably, speaking of the shared human virtues that
overcome all boundaries: “For though my faith is not yours and your faith is not mine,
if we each are free to light our own flame, together we can banish some of the darkness
of the world.”
Each year, Holocaust Memorial Day falls at the end of Winter, when the returning light
Each year,
is allHolocaust Memorialfor
the more welcome Daythefalls
longat darkness
the end ofthat
Winter, whenbefore.
has gone the returning
As welight
look back
As you gather, albeit in a virtual form, for the National Commemorative Ceremony for is all the more
again thiswelcome
year onforthethe longand
griefs darkness
lossesthat has past,
of the gone ofbefore. As webereavement
the terrible look back and
Holocaust Memorial Day, I would particularly like, as Patron, to offer each of you a again this year onletthe
loneliness, us griefs
renewandour losses
resolveofnever
the past, of the
to forget theterrible
lessonsbereavement andto keep
of history and
warm and heartfelt welcome to this very special event. loneliness, let us renew
the precious ourfreedom,
light of resolve never to forgetand
understanding the hope
lessons of in
alive history andtotocome.
the year keep
As you gather, albeit in a virtual form, for the National Commemorative Ceremony for the precious light of freedom, understanding and hope alive in the year to come.
Holocaust
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MemorialDay,
Day Ioccupies
would particularly
a vital placelike, as national
in our Patron, to offer
life. each
It is, of you
above a
all, an
warm and heartfelt
occasion welcome
to remember to this very
and honour special
all those whoevent.
were so tragically and brutally lost in
the Shoah – as I had the great privilege of doing at Yad Vashem in January last year –
Holocaust
as well as Memorial
all victimsDay occupies
of more recenta genocides.
vital place in our national
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us to reflect, is, aboveonall,those
an
occasion to remember
desperately and honour
painful chapters of all
ourthose
sharedwhohistory,
were soand
tragically and brutally
to reaffirm lost in
our collective
the Shoah – as Ithat
determination hadsuch
the great privilegehorrors
unspeakable of doing at never
must Yad Vashem in January last year –
be repeated.
as well as all victims of more recent genocides. It allows us to reflect, together, on those
desperately painful
In the shadows chapters
of fear of our shared
and ignorance, it is all history,
too easy and to reaffirm
for prejudice ourroot,
to take collective
and for
determination that such unspeakable horrors must never be repeated.
persecution and violence to thrive. Darkness, unchallenged, can allow the malicious
and the misguided to deny the past, to distort the present and so to destroy the future.
In the shadows of fear and ignorance, it is all too easy for prejudice to take root, and for
persecution
This is whyand
the violence
theme of to
thisthrive.
year’s Darkness, unchallenged,
National Holocaust can allow
Memorial the malicious
Day, “Be the light in
and
the darkness”, is so important. It reminds us of the ultimate triumph of thefuture.
the misguided to deny the past, to distort the present and so to destroy the light of
knowledge and reason, of compassion and understanding, and, above all, of hope. It
This is why
exhorts theuse
us to theme of this
the light year’seach
within National Holocaust
of us to Memorial
reveal wrongs, Day, “Be
to expose the light and
falsehoods, in
the darkness”,
dispel is so important.
hatred wherever It reminds us of the ultimate triumph of the light of
encountered.
knowledge and reason, of compassion and understanding, and, above all, of hope. It
exhorts
In this us to use
task, the light
we might within
have each of
no better us tothan
guide reveal
the wrongs, to expose
wise example falsehoods,
of Rabbi and
Lord Sacks
dispel hatredtaken
– so sadly wherever
fromencountered.
us last year – who spoke in such a deeply moving way at past
Holocaust Memorial Day ceremonies, and who was an inspiration to people of all faiths
Inand
thisnone.
task, weThrough
might have
his no better guide
exemplary lifethan
andthehis
wise examplewords
inspiring of Rabbi
he Lord Sacks a
displayed
–resplendent
so sadly taken
commitment to the task of resolving conflict between communitiespast
from us last year – who spoke in such a deeply moving way at and Front cover image: Ernest Simon
Holocaust Memorial
world-views. Dayofceremonies,
Unafraid confrontingand who was failings,
humanity’s an inspiration to people ofinall
yet unshakeable hisfaiths
belief BEM, Kindertransportee, lights
and none. Through
in humanity’s his exemplary
potential, he displayed lifewhat
and seems
his inspiring
to me the words he displayed
essential balance aof a candle for Holocaust Memorial
resplendent
goodwill and commitment
good senseto that
the task of resolving
is necessary conflict between
for goodness communities
to prevail. May his andlight Day 2021.
world-views. Unafraid of confronting humanity’s
continue to shine and his memory live on as a blessing. failings, yet unshakeable in his belief
in humanity’s potential, he displayed what seems to me the essential balance of
goodwill
As Rabbiand good
Lord sense
Sacks saidthat
so is necessary speaking
memorably, for goodness
of thetoshared
prevail. Mayvirtues
human his light
that
continue to shine and his memory live on as a blessing.
overcome all boundaries: “For though my faith is not yours and your faith is not mine, hmd.org.uk 3
if we each are free to light our own flame, together we can banish some of the darkness
WELCOME
FROM HMDT
This year, Holocaust Memorial Laura Marks Olivia Marks-
Day is like no other. Welcome OBE Woldman OBE
to our first virtual ceremony. Chair of Trustees Chief Executive
2020 was extremely challenging, with loss Our hope today comes from the survivors
of lives, jobs, ability to see friends & family of genocide who continue to share their life
and all normality. The global pandemic has stories with courage. Each time they speak,
also challenged the very essence of our own they re-live deep trauma. They do this to
mission. We want everyone to learn from warn the world; to protect us, our children and
genocide for a better future, but how does grandchildren from the horrors of genocide.
one reflect on the past when the present is Our hope comes from our friends in the sector
so overwhelming? In today’s divided world of who work hard for this vital cause. And our
anxiety and misinformation, aren’t there more hope comes from you, the British public: our
pressing matters to devote our attention to? heroic key workers, kind neighbours and
‘Our survivor generation has done what we In fact, it has never been more urgent than community volunteers who continue to be the
now to remember where division, lies and lights in the darkness.
can to teach the importance of continually fear can lead. The horrors of the Holocaust So even while physically apart, we still come
remembering the victims of the Holocaust, and of subsequent genocides were facilitated together on HMD – to learn from genocide for
when public vulnerabilities were exploited
teaching the indispensable lessons of history to spread hostility, extreme language and
a better future.
Today we are asking you to remember with
and building for the future. I am confident that
untruths. On Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD),
we are reminded that civilisation is fragile, so purpose, learn from the past and be the light
you, the generations of today and tomorrow, we must actively protect it. We are reminded in the darkness.
that division can escalate unspeakably quickly.
have well and truly taken on that responsibility These are desperately needed reminders
and you shall be the light in the darkness.’ in today’s troubled world. In the face of Laura Marks OBE
darkness, we need to be the light. Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE
Sir Ben Helfgott MBE
Honorary President, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
hmd.org.uk 5
MUSIC POEM MUSIC
RUNNING Kol Nidrei by Max Bruch We Remember Them, by Sylvan Kamens Nemoj Zalit Suzama
ORDER Performed by Chineke! Chamber Ensemble and Rabbi Jack Riemer
Featuring:
by Mensura Bajraktarević
Performed by Hafsa Jalisi
FILM Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, Don’t grieve with tears
Prime Minister but remember with Du’as (prayers)
Nazi persecution, Narrated by Tobias Menzies don’t let your tears flow
OPENING Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, when your memories are awakened
Leader of the Opposition
READING Don’t grieve, O my father
Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE Sir Edward Davey MP, when you see my Mazaar (grave)
Chief Executive of Holocaust Memorial Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Excerpt from the memoir of Ronald Roberts don’t let your tears flow
Day Trust
Delivered by Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE, Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, when you remember me, O my father
Founder, Artistic & Executive Director, First Minister of Scotland Don’t grieve with tears
WELCOME Chineke! Foundation but remember with Du’as (prayers)
Rt Hon Mark Drakeford AM,
First Minister of Wales don’t let your tears flow
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales,
SPEAKER when your memories are awakened
Patron of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA,
First Minister of Northern Ireland As if the soul has flown
Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP all of it burning in Nur (light)
INTRODUCTION Secretary of State for Housing, Michelle O’Neill MLA, and Ridwan, the gatekeeper (of heaven)
Communities and Local Government Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland stops beside the gate
Naga Munchetty, Narrator
The Most Revd Justin Welby,
FILM Archbishop of Canterbury
FILM PRAYER
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
The Holocaust, Narrated by Robert Rinder of the United Hebrew Congregations
Pre-war life, Bear Grylls OBE El Male Rachamim
of the Commonwealth Delivered by Ernest Simon BEM,
FILM Senior Imam Qari Asim MBE, Kindertransportee
MUSIC Leeds Makkah Masjid God, full of compassion, who dwells on high
The Holocaust May He grant perfect rest on the wings of
Tradition by Jerry Brock Swami Suryaprabha Didiji,
Featuring: Renee Bornstein, Rachel Levy Your Divine Presence
Head of Brahmrishi Ashram
Performed by Chineke! Chamber Ensemble BEM and Ernest Simon BEM In the exalter places of the holy and pure
Lord Indarjit Singh of Wimbledon, Who shine as the brightness of the sky
Director of the Network To the six million children of Israel
FILM STATEMENT of Sikh Organisations Adults and children
Pre-war life – survivor testimonies Statement from survivors of the genocides Summer Dawson, age 10 Who were killed and murdered
Featuring: Renee Bornstein, Rachel Levy in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur Strangled and burnt
BEM and Ernest Simon BEM Featuring: Sophari Ashley, Alphonsine
Kabagabo, Sabit Jakupović, Amouna Adam
6 HMD 2021 • Running Order hmd.org.uk 7
CLOSING STATEMENT
Who were buried alive
By the hand of the Nazis and their helpers Statement from: Ernest Simon BEM, Renee
We beg you, O Lord of compassion Bornstein, Rachel Levy BEM, Sophari Ashley,
Shelter their souls for evermore under the Alphonsine Kabagabo, Sabit Jakupović,
Cover of your wings Amouna Adam
And let their souls be bound up in the
Bond of life
The Lord is their portion CANDLE LIGHTING
And let us say Amen
Lighting of candles
By survivors of the Holocaust and genocides
FILM
Identity-based persecution today MUSIC
Narrated by Indira Varma
Deep River by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Performed by Chineke! Chamber Ensemble
SPEAKER
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis CLOSE OF CEREMONY
of the United Hebrew Congregations
of the Commonwealth Laura Marks OBE
Chair of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
FILM
MUSIC
‘We will continue to do our
Light and darkness today
Narrated by Rosie Jones, Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
bit for as long as we can,
featuring Abdul Musa Adam Performed by Chineke! Chamber Ensemble
CLOSING SUMMARY NATIONAL MOMENT secure in the knowledge
Naga Munchetty, Light the Darkness that others will continue to
Narrator Everyone
light a candle long after us.’
Gena Turgel MBE (1923-2018)
Survivor of the Holocaust
8 HMD 2021 • Running Order hmd.org.uk 9
CEREMONY
Chineke! Chineke! Foundation was founded by Chi-chi Nwanoku OBE in 2015
CONTRIBUTORS Chamber to provide career opportunities to established and up-and-coming Black,
Asian and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe.
Ensemble Chineke!’s mission is: ‘Championing change and celebrating diversity
in classical music’. The organisation aims to be a catalyst for change,
Amouna Amouna is a survivor of the Genocide in Darfur. She arrived in realising existing diversity targets within the industry by increasing the
the UK in 2009 after losing many family members in the violence representation of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians in British
Adam in central Darfur. She was a teacher of Biology and Chemistry, but and European orchestras. The ethos of Chineke! is of inclusion and
living in London, she is now involved in charity work in her community, creating a safe space.
campaigning against female genital mutilation and supporting survivors
and refugees from Darfur. This includes a support group for Sudanese Bear Grylls Bear has become known worldwide as one of the most-recognised
women, which she attends with her three children. faces of survival and outdoor adventure. The BAFTA award winning TV
OBE host and number one best-selling author began his journey in the British
Abdul Musa Originating from Darfur, Abdul Musa Adam arrived in the UK under Special Forces (21 SAS) before becoming one of the youngest-ever
a lorry at the age of 15. He now works for Classic-winning racehorse climbers of Mount Everest.
Adam trainer, Andrew Balding, at the renowned Park House Stables in
Kingsclere, Hampshire. He is caring for and riding some of the world’s Sabit Sabit came to the UK from Bosnia in 1992 as part of a group of 68
most expensive thoroughbreds whose owners include Her Majesty The people who were selected by the International Red Cross, as they
Queen. Abdul has told his inspirational story in a book that was recently
Jakupović needed immediate hospital care. He had been imprisoned for 120 days
published, called The Journey. in two different concentration camps in Bosnia, one of which was the
notorious Omarska camp. He has now rebuilt his life in the UK and
Sophari Sophari was born in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. She was works for Hertfordshire County Council.
aged ten when she was forced to leave her home by the Khmer
Ashley Rouge. During the Genocide in Cambodia Sophari lost three of her Hafsa is a 21-year-old medical student studying in London,
Hafsa
siblings, her father and much of her childhood. Sophari has since led her hometown. Growing up she attended Bosnian school weekly,
a much more secure life. In 1994 she married a British man who was
Jalisi where she began singing Bosnian folk songs for her local and national
working for the UN peacekeeping mission; they have one son and live community. Her singing has taken her back to her mum’s hometown
in London where Sophari enjoys the reassuring sense of security, rule to perform at the international singing festival Studentsko ljeto.
of law and freedom.
Rosie With her infectious laugh and high energy, Rosie Jones has quickly
Renee Renee was born in Strasbourg, France in 1934. After the Nazi become a must-see act on the UK comedy circuit. The ex-television
occupation of France, Renee survived the Holocaust by hiding in
Jones researcher has completed two sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival
Bornstein barns, farms and convents. Marianne Cohn, a resistance worker, Fringe, receiving critical acclaim. Rosie is also an incredible actor and
was murdered by the Gestapo for trying to help Renee and other show writer, her recent achievements include her Channel 4 travel
children escape. After the Holocaust Renee married Ernst Bornstein, series, Mission: Accessible, and a guest appearance in Casualty.
a concentration camp survivor, and they had three children.
10 HMD 2021 • Ceremony Contributors hmd.org.uk 11
Alphonsine Alphonsine came from a Tutsi family of 14 children, but by the Chi-chi An international classical double bassist, Chi-chi is professor
time the genocide started in 1994 only two of them still lived in of double bass at the Royal Academy of Music and the Founder,
Kabagabo Rwanda with their parents. The rest of her siblings lived in exile
Nwanoku OBE Artistic & Executive Director of Chineke! Foundation. She broadcasts
because of the discrimination and persecution they had faced for regularly for BBC and Classic FM. Awarded the OBE in 2017 for
many years. Alphonsine and her family survived the genocide with Services to Music, she won the Commonwealth Cultural Enterprise
the help of a Belgian soldier, who was Alphonsine’s brother in law. Award, Creative Industries Award, Top 10 BBC Women in Music and
Today Alphonsine is the Vice-Chair of Survivors Fund (SURF), an has received two Honorary Doctorates. She features in Powerlist
organisation that is committed to rebuilding the lives of survivors 2020: 100 Most Influential Black People in the UK and 100 Great
of the Genocide in Rwanda. Black Britons.
Rachel Rachel was born in a village called Bhutz in the Carpathian Mountains. Robert Barrister, TV Presenter, columnist and grandson of a Holocaust
It was a mixed community that included non-Jews who succeeded survivor, Rob Rinder began starring in his reality court show Judge
(Ruzena) Levy in hiding Rachel and her family from the Nazis for two years. After
Rinder Rinder in 2014. Since then, he has presented an impressive number
BEM this, she survived Auschwitz, a death march, and Bergen-Belsen of television shows as well as Raising the Bar, a BBC Radio 5Live
Concentration Camp. After the Holocaust, Rachel was reunited series. In December 2020, Rob presented My Family, the Holocaust
with her brother and they both came to the UK as part of a group and Me, a 2-part documentary that explores his family’s connection
of orphaned refugee children that became known as ‘The Boys’. to the Holocaust.
Tobias Tobias is a Golden Globe nominated actor who has extensive credits Ernest Simon Ernest was born in May 1930 in Eisenstadt, Austria. Following the
across both stage, television and film. Most recently he has appeared Anschluss (the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany) in March
Menzies as Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh in Netflix’s The Crown for which he
BEM 1938, he and his family moved from Eisenstadt to Vienna where
received his second Golden Globe nomination. Other recent television he witnessed Kristallnacht (a Nazi campaign of hatred against Jews)
credits include This Way Up, Outlander and Game of Thrones. at the age of eight. In 1939 Ernest was one of the children who came
to the UK on the Kindertransport. He now regularly speaks to children
Chief Rabbi Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew in schools about his experiences.
Congregations of the Commonwealth. Now in his eighth year in office,
Ephraim Mirvis he is well known as a principled spiritual leader, who has strengthened Indira has extensive credits across stage, screen and television.
Indira
Jewish community life and broken new ground in the areas of education, TV: For Life, This Way Up, Carnival Row, Melrose, The Truth,
tolerance, interfaith and social responsibility.
Varma Paranoid, Game of Thrones, Rome. Theatre: Exit The King, Man
and Superman, Ivanov, Remembrance of Things Past, Othello for the
Naga Naga is known and loved nationwide as one of the main presenters on National Theatre. The Seagull (Playhouse Theatre), Present Laughter
Breakfast TV. Her career as a journalist began at the Evening Standard (Old Vic – Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play)
Munchetty and The Observer newspapers, and soon moved into reporting for Film: Dreamland, The One & Only Ivan, Official Secrets, Close,
Reuters Financial Television. Naga was named by the Asian Power Exodus, Silent Hours.
List as one of the UK’s most powerful Asian females. As well as hosting
her own programme on Radio 5 Live, Naga has presented several
TV shows and documentaries and has won numerous awards,
including most recently, ‘the ‘Media Personality of the Year’.
12 HMD 2021 • Ceremony Contributors hmd.org.uk 13
LIGHT THE IDENTITY-BASED
DARKNESS PERSECUTION TODAY
We, people across the
UK, are lighting the
darkness by putting
candles in our windows
at 8pm on 27 January
To remember all those who were
murdered for who they were
To stand against prejudice
and hatred in the world today
JOIN THE NATION On Holocaust Memorial Day, In the UK we are fortunate to enjoy so many
we stand in solidarity with rights and freedoms. Yet, we know there are
Put a candle in your window at individuals and communities still living in
8pm to light the darkness on those facing identity-based hardship because of who they are.
Holocaust Memorial Day. persecution right now. Hatred, The global pandemic and economic crisis
#HolocaustMemorialDay prejudice, racism, xenophobia are causing division, anger, misinformation
#LightTheDarkness and discrimination still exist and anxiety. But the UK also has a culture
in the world today. of caring, expressed through the kind acts
of individuals, as well as institutions such as
We see reports of Uighur Muslims in China, the NHS and thousands of charities working at
shackled and blindfolded, separated from home and abroad for a better future. In today’s
families and put onto trains. Rohingya vulnerable world, we can protect each other
Muslims in Myanmar are persecuted, with care, compassion and honesty, supporting
confined to camps and denied basic rights, those in the UK and internationally against
like health care, education, and livelihoods. discrimination and hostility.
In a world scarred by genocide, these reports
bear a very painful resonance. Image: Members of Myanmar’s Muslim Rohingya
minority walk through a broken road at Cox’s Bazar,
Bangladesh, 2017 © Sk Hasan Ali / Shutterstock.com
14 HMD 2021 • Light The Darkness hmd.org.uk 15
2016
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL HRH The Prince of Wales succeeds
2020
HM The Queen as our Patron. We mark 75 years since
DAY TIMELINE 2010 HRH The Prince of
Wales with survivors
the liberation of Auschwitz-
Birkenau, with a record 17,000
at a reception HMD activities across the UK.
758 HMD activities in 2015
Since Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) was established in 2000, take place in the UK.
millions of people have learned about the Holocaust and genocide,
and many have gone on to take actions to create a better future.
Our timeline highlights key events in the history of HMD.
2000 2001 The UK Ceremony for
46 governments from across First HMD takes place Nottingham Interfaith HMD 2020 is watched
the world sign the Stockholm in the UK, run by the UK Council HMD Service, Nick Sharratt and Sarah Donaldson,
by over one million
Declaration, and 27 January Government, and organised 2010, © Clive Burton judges of our 75 Memorial Flames
people on the BBC arts project, at the launch of our
is established as HMD. through the Home Office.
and attended by HRH 75 Memorial Flames exhibition
The Declaration became the the Duke and Duchess
cornerstone for remembering
the Holocaust around the world. 2005 2006
of Cambridge.
View the declaration: We (HMDT) are registered HRH The Duke and Duchess of
hmd.org.uk/stockholmdeclaration as a charity, funded by the 266 HMD activities Cambridge light candles at the UK
government, and responsible take place in the UK.
2021
Ceremony for HMD 2020
for promoting and supporting
HMD in the UK.
Ministers from the 34 countries The UK Ceremony for
of the International Holocaust HMD is broadcast online
Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) for the first time, due to
adopt a Ministerial Declaration the global pandemic.
to underline and renew the Households across the
commitments made in the UK are lighting candles
2000 Stockholm Declaration. in their windows at 8pm
View the declaration: on 27 January, to actively
Representatives from around the holocaustremembrance.com/ remember victims of
genocide and light the Ernest Simon BEM,
world at the signing of the Stockholm Camden Council about-us/2020-ihra-ministerial-
Kindertransportee,
Declaration, © International Holocaust Trustees at the HMDT launch HMD event, 2006, declaration darkness together.
Remembrance Alliance lighting the darkness
© Piers Allardyce
16 HMD 2021 • Holocaust Memorial Day Timeline hmd.org.uk 17
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL
DAY ACTIVITIES
Each year for HMD, thousands Gathering physically to mark HMD whilst living
with the challenges of Covid-19 may not be The Royal Conservatoire of Glasgow’s HMD 2020 Concert © Alan Kay
of activities take place across possible, so we created our ‘HMD Together’
the width and breadth of the resources. Our new resources enable activity Violins of Hope at the Royal Conservatoire
United Kingdom. organisers to mark HMD with their community, of Scotland
from the safety of their home. Artistic, virtual,
Last year, there were more reflective and digital activities are taking place Dr Lev Atlas and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
than 17,000 activities. right now, all around the UK. Here is a small have planned a Covid-compliant mixed media event
selection of them. featuring the Violins of Hope – a collection of instruments
which survived the Holocaust, even if their owners did not.
Including live performances and presentations, it will be
Hartlepool Borough Council streamed nationwide.
Northeast England
Hartlepool Borough Council has worked
with its youth services and centres on a
community art project for HMD. Young people Noemie and Derek at an HMD 2020 event
have worked together to create lanterns,
symbolising being the light in the darkness, University of Exeter
which will be lit up on 27 January. Southwest England
The University of Exeter’s
HMD event will take place on
29 January. Dr Noemie Lopian,
daughter of Holocaust survivors,
will join Derek Niemann,
AVOW marking HMD in 2020 grandson of an SS officer,
Pupils and staff from Millisle Primary School with Eve Kugler,
to deliver the keynote talk at
survivor of the Holocaust, earlier in 2020
the university’s annual HMD
Association of Voluntary Conference - Speaking Across
Organisations Wales (AVOW) Millisle Primary School, Northern Ireland the Divide.
AVOW held an event on 21 January 2021 Every year the students and staff at Millisle Primary
to commemorate HMD. Simon Baynes MP School hold a memorial service in their Holocaust
and The Bishop of Wrexham, Peter Brignall, memorial garden, reading poems and singing songs Discover more activities
spoke at the virtual event. Lauren Stamp, Willow Russell-Ainsley and Annabelle before holding a silent period of remembrance for victims on our interactive map:
Napper at Hartlepool Borough Council’s HMD 2020 event and survivors. hmd.org.uk/activities
18 HMD 2021 • Holocaust Memorial Day Activities hmd.org.uk 19LIGHT UP THE LEADERS’ MESSAGES
DARKNESS OF SUPPORT
I will never forget last year’s national commemoration
for Holocaust Memorial Day. We gathered in our hundreds
in Central Hall Westminster to mark the 75th anniversary
of the liberation of Auschwitz and we listened to survivors
as they once again summoned the strength to share
their sacred, yet harrowing, testimonies. We sat in horror
as Corporal Ian Forsyth, a British liberator of Bergen
Belsen, described the depths to which humanity can sink.
We stood alongside people of every age and background
from across our United Kingdom, promising to remember
and to unite against oppression.
This year’s ceremony will feel very different, online
Rt Hon with no television cameras and no survivors present
Boris Johnson MP to meet in person. Yet this moment of commemoration
is as important as any, because it demands of each and
Prime Minister every one us that we renew our commitment to cherish
the message of our survivors every day of our lives.
This year, we teamed up with Girl Guiding, Image: Memory Lane by Light up the That means resolving to remember the lessons
Scouts, National Union of Students and darkness entrant, Rosie Ingamells. of the Holocaust, including the times they have not
Union of Jewish Students to create Light up been learned – in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and
the darkness, an exhibition of photographs Rosie says: Darfur. It requires us to inoculate our society against
the wretched virus of antisemitism - a new wave
taken exclusively by young people.
Young people across the country sent us
‘My grandma has dementia of which has shamefully returned to infect countries
photographs that celebrate the people, so living alone has been hard. across Europe, including our own. And it demands that
we follow the lead of our survivors – to be the light in
groups, places and objects which bring
light and hope in times of darkness. Whilst we help her, she brings the darkness, as they have been throughout their lives
– by fighting against all forms of hatred and prejudice
Thirty winning images were chosen by an us so much joy in return.’ wherever and whenever they are found.
expert panel, including photographer and
While we watch this ceremony alone, let us make this
director Rankin, sculptor and Holocaust
promise together - and let us keep it together, today and
survivor Maurice Blik, Labour MP Tulip Siddiq Find out more:
every day, for generations to come.
and our CEO Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE. hmd.org.uk/lightupthedarkness
20 HMD 2021 • Light Up The Darkness hmd.org.uk 21
21On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember the darkness This Holocaust Memorial Day is an occasion to reflect
of the murder of six million Jewish men, women and upon the terrible events of the Holocaust and subsequent
children, and all other victims of Nazi persecutions, as well genocides, and remember the millions who were
as those of subsequent genocides. But we also shine a light murdered or who have suffered due to their background,
on those precious few who saved Jews and others; race, faith or sexuality.
on the survivors who we are blessed to have continue The theme ‘be the light in the darkness’ encourages
to share their testimony and to educate and inspire the next consideration of the many ways in which hate and
generation; and on the importance of tackling Holocaust prejudice manifests itself across modern society and
denial and distortion, antisemitism and all hatred. This inspires us to explore the individual and collective actions
year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme, ‘Be the light in the we can take to create the fairer, compassionate society
darkness’, is a call to action, not merely to remember but we all want.
to act ourselves wherever and whenever we encounter
antisemitism or other forms of hatred. It is an entreaty By learning from the stark horrors of some of the world’s
Rt Hon Rt Hon darkest days, we can build a brighter future.
to us all, to live courageously, helping in our own small way
Robert Jenrick MP to build a better and more tolerant world. The Government Nicola Sturgeon MSP
Secretary of State for Housing, will continue to do all we can to honour the memory of First Minister of Scotland
Communities and Local those murdered in the Holocaust, not least by progressing
Government our plan for a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning
Centre, which will stand alongside our other great national
monuments, for everyone, forever.
Never again. That was the promise the world made after On 27 January, we will mark Holocaust Memorial Day
the horror of the Holocaust was unveiled. The promise – the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the
we would not let the appalling suffering experienced by annual day of remembrance for all those who died in the
Jewish people be repeated. But even after the murder Holocaust and subsequent genocides around the world.
of six million Jews in Europe, genocides and persecution This year we will be marking the occasion differently
still take place around the world. And as the Holocaust due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We will come
recedes from living memory, it is more important than together in virtual events, from the safety of our homes.
ever that we remember on Holocaust Memorial Day. Let us all join together to be the light in the darkness
This year the theme is ‘be the light in the darkness’. and work towards a more inclusive society, free from
The world has experienced a lot of darkness in 2020 oppression and persecution.
– but we have also seen many examples of light.
Neighbours caring for one another, communities
Sir Kier Starmer MP coming together, people making sacrifices to protect the Rt Hon
vulnerable. It takes more than words for good to triumph
Leader of the Opposition
over evil, knowledge over ignorance and love over fear
Mark Drakeford MS
and hate: it takes action. This year should give us hope. First Minister of Wales
Let us all recommit to being a force for good in the world,
to work to prevent future atrocities and to be the light
in the darkness.
22 HMD 2021 • Leaders’ Messages of Support hmd.org.uk 23
23We can only do our work thanks to the support that we receive
It is important that we continue to remember
THANK each year. Thank you to The Ministry for Housing, Communities
and Local Government (MHCLG) which has funded our work since
those who lost their lives in the Holocaust and 2007. Thank you also to everyone who made generous donations
subsequent genocides. Society has to learn
lessons from the past to create a better future
YOU to our work, as well as all those who contributed their time and
efforts to HMD 2021.
for us all.
Your support has enabled us to extend our work, ensuring millions
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 is of people across the UK learn from genocide, for a better future.
‘Be the light in the darkness’. That is particularly
poignant at the present time. Not only is it To support our work, please go to hmd.org.uk/donate
associated with the Holocaust and subsequent
genocides, but the challenges we face with the Honorary President Claudia Hyde Carol Roberts
Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on Sir Ben Helfgott MBE Paul Lautman Sally Sealey OBE
everyone’s lives. It urges all of us to show the Julia Marcuson Story Events
Rt Hon Honorary Vice President
better side of our humanity. Farayi Mungazi Professor Dan Stone
Rt Hon Lord Eric Pickles
Arlene Foster MLA Laura Newlyn The Recycled Candle Company
Trustees Eva Oddi The Wiener Holocaust Library
First Minister of Northern Ireland
Laura Marks OBE, Chair Hin Thi Trafalgar Strategy
Sir Leigh Lewis, Vice Chair Bethan Tribe Joe Twilley
Amanda King, Treasurer Daniela Wegrostek Waging Peace
The Holocaust is a poignant and powerful HE David Ashley
reminder of what can happen when bigotry and Ruth Herzberg-Wellin With support from Thank you to everyone who
discrimination go unchecked. Holocaust Memorial John Howell OBE MP Jakob Riegler, has contributed to the UK
Day is an opportunity for all of us to remember Hannah Lewis MBE Gedenkdiener Commemorative Ceremony and
the millions of people who were persecuted Michael Marx Kirsty Robson helped us Light the darkness.
during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Dr Joe Mulhall Special thanks to HMDT supported by:
We must do everything we can to ensure such Dr Anita Peleg Rich Bentley, Producer MHCLG
atrocities never happen again. Rev Mark Poulson Blackdog Creative Blavatnik Family Foundation
Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us that we all Tulip Siddiq MP Ollie Clark British Muslim Heritage Centre
have a role to play in tackling prejudice, ending Naved Siddiqi Fat Beehive Catherine Lewis Foundation
division and building a shared future. We must Danny Stone MBE First Colour Jonathan and Sharon Goldstein
embrace and celebrate difference and diversity Marie van der Zyl Christian Grohs Sir Michael and Lady Heller
Anne Heasell Design
Michelle O’Neill MLA in order to create a better society for all. HMDT Staff Laura Marks OBE and Dan
Deputy First Minister of Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, JCDecaux Patterson
Chief Executive Jewish Care’s Holocaust Michael and Jeanette Marx
Northern Ireland Survivor Services
Alex Blake Rachel Charitable Trust
Genevieve Carnell Kick Digital The Gerald and Gail Ronson
Dr Rachel Century Genevieve Lazar Family Foundation
Rebecca Deakin John Maxted The Scottish Government
Lukasz Dobbek Ocean Outdoor Shoresh Charitable Trust
Asel Guillot Postcard Productions
24 HMD 2021 • Leaders’ Messages of Support hmd.org.uk 25
25‘It’s difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.’ Anne Frank (1929-1945) who was murdered during the Holocaust hmd.org.uk PO Box 61074 London, SE1P 5BX 020 7785 7029 enquiries@hmd.org.uk @HMD_UK Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales | Charity No: 1109348
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