Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Concepcion will join faith leaders in special services to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January.
Wreaths, in memory of all victims of persecution ,will be laid at the memorial stone in St John’s Gardens before a special service at Liverpool Town Hall which will be attended by civic and faith representatives as well as members of the local community.
The day marks the 71st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Berkenau and ,as well as being the national day of remembrance for all the victims of the Holocaust , will remember victims of more recent genocides such as Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.
The theme for this year’s day is “Don’t Stand By”.
Councillor Concepcion, said; “Holocaust Memorial Day is not only a time to remember those millions who died in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides but is also a call to action for the present.
“The theme of “Don’t Stand By” urges us to consider our own responsibility over issues such as hate crime and prejudice to ensure they have no place in our society.
“The service will be moving and poignant and it will also encourage us all to help to build a safer future.”
At the service Rabbi Dan Lieberman will join the Lord Mayor in lighting a memorial candle. Rabbi Lieberman will lead those attending in prayer and a blessing will be given by the Rector of Liverpool, the Reverend Dr Crispin Pailing.
Pastor Michael Fryer from Father’s House Congregation will address the service at which King David High School Choir will sing.
Ann Frank Trust UK Ambassadors from Alsop High School and St John Bosco Arts College will give a presentation of poetry specially composed for Holocaust Memorial Day.
• An exhibition to raise awareness of the Holocaust is being staged at Liverpool Town Hall (based in the Hall of Remembrance) between Tuesday 26 and Thursday 28 January 2016 (from 10am to 4.00pm).
