This year’s event on Friday 25 January marked the 25th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide.
Powerful words: The launch of the poetry competition at Liverpool Town Hall, last November
A series of poems written by local people will be read out at Liverpool’s Holocaust Memorial Day service, on Friday 25 January.
The theme for this year is ‘Torn from Home’, which is common to all genocides and persecutions, and also acknowledges the 25th anniversary of the start of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.
Three poems written by young and old have been chosen to feature in the service, which takes place at the Town Hall at 11am.
There will also be music and a presentation from King David High School Choir, and prayers read by members of the Jewish community.
Earlier, at 9am, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Christine Banks, will join other civic leaders and Jewish community representatives to lay a wreath in St Johns Gardens, behind St George’s Hall.
A selection of the poems entered will be included in an anthology that will be presented to entrants, schools and libraries in the city.
THE COUNCIL’S VIEW
Lord Mayor, Councillor Christine Banks, said: “It is vital that on Holocaust Memorial Day we not only remember the millions who died in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, but also the impact that hate crime and prejudice is still having on people from all walks of life to this day.
“At a time when our world seems more divided than ever, we must redouble our efforts to keep reminding people that there is far more that unites us and that we are one human race.”
Liverpool City Council’s lead on Holocaust Memorial Day, Councillor Jeremy Wolfson, a member of the city’s Jewish community, said: “The poetry competition gives everyone an opportunity to reflect on the Holocaust and raise awareness of not only what happened but also to help make sure there is no repeat of it.
“With the ‘Torn From Home’ theme we have received some very emotive poems and I thank everyone who entered. It’s fantastic that we have a new category this year for adults, building on last years’ competition.
“Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and raise awareness of not only what happened but to try and ensure that the attitudes which led to them are not repeated.”
