Victims of Holocaust remembered
Story from BBC NEWS:
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Published: 2007/01/27 09:45:28 GMT
Millions of people killed by the Nazis are to be remembered during a
national service to be held on Sunday.
Newcastle is hosting Holocaust Memorial Day at the Theatre Royal, to honour
those who died in World War II and in other massacres.
Speakers from across Europe will be taking part.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly, Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathon Sacks and actor
Henry Goodman will attend the event at 1630 GMT.
Those killed in other massacres, such as in Rwanda, Cambodia and Bosnia, will
also be remembered
Before the service a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle,
Councillor Diane Packham, will be held at the city’s civic centre.
A drawing representing the Holocaust Memorial Day flame will also be laid out
on the pavement outside the Theatre Royal by six artists from Dodgy Clutch
Theatre Company.
Councillor John Shipley, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "We have a
proud history as a welcoming and inclusive city which takes a strong stand
against prejudice.
"The event is an important occasion for us as we remember the millions of
people killed during the Holocaust and in other atrocities around the world."
Holocaust Memorial Day was established in 1999 to remember those who lost
their lives – many in Hitler’s gas chambers.
The anniversary marks the liberation of the Nazi concentration and
extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Other events are being held around the country to mark the event.
A memorial event will be held at Leeds Town Hall at 1430 GMT on Sunday, when
Dr Margaret Brearley, writer and lecturer on the Holocaust and genocide, will
speak and music will be provided by Brodetsky Primary School Choir.
Birmingham will also commemorate the event on Sunday at 1430 GMT in Centenary
Square when Holocaust survivor Paul Oppenheimer MBE will speak of his
experiences of persecution.
The programme will include readings, prayers and a specially commissioned
poem from Birmingham’s young poet laureate Jennifer Brough.
And on Sunday a multi-faith service will be held at Catford Synagogue,
Crantock Road, London, at 1530 GMT.