Blaenau Gwent Council is proud to be supporting Holocaust Memorial Day, observed every year on 27th January. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust promotes remembrance in a world scarred by prejudice and systematic, targeted persecution.
The Holocaust is central to Holocaust Memorial Day, which remembers the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. It also commemorates the millions more who were murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups, as well as those killed in more recent genocides recognized by the UK government, including the genocide in Darfur.
27th January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.
The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilization, and discrimination and persecution must still be resisted every day. Wherever it takes place, including in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.
Holocaust Memorial Day is for everyone. It brings people together to learn more about the past, empathise with people today, and work to build a better future. Together, we bear witness for communities who suffered attempted annihilation and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.
This year鈥檚 theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is 'For a Better Future'.
The Council鈥檚 Presiding Member and Champion for Equality, Cllr Chris Smith, says:
鈥淎s we approach Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January, we recognise the importance of this year's theme 鈥楩or a Better Future鈥�. This theme encourages us all to look forward with hope and a shared commitment to creating a more compassionate, inclusive, and just world. By remembering the past, we can learn valuable lessons to help build a future where hate, prejudice, and discrimination have no place.鈥�
The Council will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day by:
- Honouring Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke: Awarded Freedom of the Borough of Blaenau Gwent in 2023, Eva Clarke has been invited to share her story with our secondary school pupils, encouraging them to reflect on the themes of Holocaust Memorial Day
- Creating a Reflection Space: Open from Monday 20th January in the General Offices, Ebbw Vale, this space gives residents and staff the opportunity to come together and reflect on how we can contribute to a future free from hatred and division. It is a place where people can share hopes for the future, honour those lost in the Holocaust, and stand united in the fight for a better tomorrow.
- Sharing the Story of Harry Spiro: As part of the Valleys Voices podcast produced by the Gwent Community Cohesion Team, Harry Spiro鈥檚 experiences are shared by his daughter, Tracy Moses. Valleys Voices provides a platform for individuals to share their stories and explore how a sense of place can unite diverse communities. Listen to Harry鈥檚 story here: /en/council/equalities-welsh-language/valleys-voices-podcasts/
- Illuminating the General Offices in purple: On the evening of 27th January, the General Offices will be illuminated in purple to honour and show respect for Holocaust Memorial Day.
- Councillor Chris Smith, Presiding Member and Equality Champion, will attend the Temple of Peace in Cardiff for a Holocaust Memorial Day event on the 27th.
On 27th January 2025, Tredegar Town Council will also join the nation in remembering the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides:
- Tredegar Town Clock in The Circle will be illuminated in purple and white as a symbol of remembrance.
- A Holocaust Memorial Vigil will take place at 8pm at the Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones, Tredegar.
These initiatives not only honour the memory of those who suffered but also inspire hope and commitment towards a more inclusive and just future. If there are any specific aspects you would like to discuss further or any questions you have, please feel free to get in touch at PPS@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or 01495 369213.
