THE SIX million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime and all those who have lost their lives in genocides will be remembered in Leicester today, as countries around the world mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
Today (January 27), Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked with two online talks. The distinguished Holocaust scholar Professor Aubrey Newman and Dr Martin Stern, a well-known local Holocaust survivor (pictured) will deliver talks inspired by this year’s theme of ‘One Day’.
The talks, as well as a video prepared by Fullhurst Community College, will be available today at: www.leicester.gov.uk/holocaustday
Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Deepak Bajaj said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a chance not just to remember those who have died in past genocides, but to recognise that the lives of very many people today are still overshadowed by the impact of more recent atrocities across the world. We are reminded of what can happen when prejudice and persecution are left unchallenged.
“By inviting people to view this online content, we hope to provide an opportunity to reflect on this poignant annual commemoration.”
At Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, a day of events on Sunday (January 30) will provide a further opportunity for reflection and remembrance.
The day will open with a speech by Professor Aubrey Newman, which will be followed by filmed testimonies of Holocaust survivors and talks by those who lost family members, telling their personal stories. A lament by Israeli oud player, Gal Hever, will accompany a film installation by artist George Sfougaras featuring two illustrated stories: ‘A Winter’s Night in Prague’ and ‘Tale of the Old Fort Town’.
The event will also include an exhibition tracing the history of the Wiener Library from its origins in the holocaust, and a ‘Foundation Stones’ workshop, where visitors will be able to paint their own commemorative stones that will form part of the new national holocaust memorial.
Tickets are required for some of the planned events, but these can be booked at the museum on the day.
The free, drop-in event runs from 12 noon until 4pm.
For more information, contact Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on 0116 225 4900 or visit: www.leicestermuseums.org/HolocaustMemorialDay2022
