Although racism is not extinct,

I need you to sit, reflect and think,

Back to the times when racism was so much worse,

And life for the "different” was a curse

 

These words form part of a poem ’Life for the different’, written by Paris Tyrell, a student from Dixons City Academy.

Today people across Bradford will gather together at a special memorial service to remember the millions of people across the world who suffered during the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and other genocides.

They will remember, as people from communities across the globe come together to think about those who were murdered and who survived - whose lives have been changed beyond recognition as a result of these atrocities.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is an annual occasion when we seek to learn lessons from the past and think about the process through which genocide can happen, if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented.

“This day is very important,” says Councillor Dave Green, leader of Bradford Council, who is speaking about this year’s memorial theme ‘Keep the Memory Alive’ at the service, organised by Bradford Council.

“As survivors of the Holocaust are now dying through old age there is a danger that we will lose this direct contact, so it is vital that we pass the torch on to the next generation.

“When you look at some of the modern genocides and holocausts of modern day Rwanda and some African countries, and look at Eastern Europe where anti-Roma prejudice is still a major issue, and the increasing Islamaphobia in the west, if we do not remember the history of the Holocaust and other regimes we are in danger of seeing them repeated throughout the world.”

He refers to genocides dating back hundreds of years, following the persecution of different groups of people, going on to refer to the recent loss of life in France, and the resulting antagonism towards Muslims.

“The hatred of the killers has been stoked up and used as a complete travesty of a religion. There is a small minority against Islam, yet this is how things can grow.”

He adds: “That is why this is important - bringing people together to think about the way that religious culture and race can be manipulated. That is what we need to constantly guard against.”

"Genocide doesn't happen overnight. It is a process which begins when the differences between people are used as a basis for discrimination, marginalisation or exclusion.

"By remembering these tragic episodes in history and speaking out against prejudice and hate, we can reduce the chances of these terrible crimes ever happening again.”

The date has been chosen as, on 27 January 1945, the largest Nazi killing camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated. This year is also the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia where over 8,000 people were killed.

Survivors will be the heart of HMD activities and will share memories of their lives. People who have no direct experience of genocide are being asked to remember those who died and and honour survivors.

Denise Poole, Chaplain to the Bishop of Bradford, will lead over 100 representatives from Bradford's communities in the ceremony.

Representatives of Bradford's Jewish community, Central and Eastern European communities, disabled people, lesbian and bisexual groups and others will also light candles and pledge to never forget the holocaust nor its lessons.

Readings will be given and local young people will light candles on behalf of all child victims of genocide.

Guest speaker, Regional Ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust and Bradford University student, Orianne Brown will talk about her plans to maintain awareness of the Holocaust.

“I think it is important to remember that people are people and not groups. This is about standing up for all the things that are wrong.

“We hear a minority of stories but think of how many lives were lost.”

Adds Councillor Green: “While it is one day, it is the philosophy that runs through everything we do. I think the best thing an individual can do is to question everything they hear.”

He adds: "By remembering these tragic episodes in history and speaking out against prejudice and hate, we can reduce the chances of these terrible crimes happening again.

Bradford's Lord Mayor, Coun Mike Gibbons, who is taking part in the event, said: "It is important we understand how and why genocide is perpetrated so we can do everything possible to prevent it ever happening again.”

The ceremony takes place today in City Hall at 11am. Orianne is hosting a candlelit vigil at 5pm in Centenary Square.

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