The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 is Be the light in the darkness.
It encourages everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.
Be the light in the darkness is an affirmation and a call to action for everyone marking HMD. This theme asks us to consider different kinds of ‘darkness’, for example, identity-based persecution, misinformation, denial of justice; and different ways of ‘being the light’, for example, resistance, acts of solidarity, rescue and illuminating mistruths.
Increasing levels of denial, division and misinformation in today’s world mean we must remain vigilant against hatred and identity-based hostility. Rapid technological developments, a turbulent political climate, and world events beyond our control can leave us feeling helpless and insignificant. The utterly unprecedented times through which we are living currently are showing the very best of which humanity is capable but also - in some of the abuse and conspiracy theories being spread on social media - the much darker side of our world as well.
We can all stand in solidarity. We can choose to be the light in the darkness in a variety of ways and places – at home, in public, and online.
Holocaust Memorial Day provides an important opportunity for all residents to remember those who suffered and died in the Holocaust, Nazi persecutions and subsequent genocides including Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Join us as we reflect upon these atrocities and join together in demonstrating our solidarity in combating antisemitism, racism and hatred.
Date: Weds 27 January 2021
Time: 9.30am-11am
Zoom meeting
This year we are honoured to be welcoming Holocaust survivors Ann and Bob Kirk BEM to share their testimony.
This is a FREE public event. All are welcome to attend. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. To register for your free place go to: Eventbrite tickets.
Light a candle
Newham council invites you to light a candle in your window on 27 January to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day in keeping with the Jewish tradition of Yahrzeit candles or memorial candles which in Judaism are lit in memory of those departed.
Do post your pictures on social media using the hashtag #HMD