Holocaust Memorial Day is commemorated on 27th January each year - this marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Nationally, Holocaust Memorial Day aims to:
1. Recognise that the Holocaust was a tragically defining episode of the 20th Century, a crisis for European civilisation and a universal catastrophe for humanity.
2. Provide a national mark of respect for all victims of Nazi persecution and demonstrate understanding with all those who still suffer its consequences.
3. Raise awareness and understanding of the events of the Holocaust as a continuing issue of fundamental importance for all humanity.
4. Ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust are neither forgotten nor repeated, whether in Europe or elsewhere in the world.
5. Restate the continuing need for vigilance in light of the troubling repetition of human tragedies in the world today.
6. Reflect on more recent atrocities that raise similar issues.
7. Provide a national focus for educating subsequent generations about the Holocaust and the continued relevance of the lessons that are learnt from it.
8. Provide an opportunity to examine our nations past and learn for the future.
9. Promote a democratic and tolerant society, free of the evils of prejudice, racism and other forms of bigotry.
10. Support the view that all citizens-without distinction-should participate freely and fully in the economic, social and public life of the nation.
11. Highlight the values of a tolerant and diverse society based upon the notions of universal dignity and equal rights and responsibilities for all its citizens.
12. Assert a continuing commitment to oppose racism, anti-semitism, victimisation and genocide.
Darlington Borough Council arrange a ceremony each year to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, and the ceremony seeks to remember those who have suffered as a result of the Holocaust and recent genocides. The ceremony also provides the opportunity to engage the community in learning from such atrocities and promote a democratic society, which respects and celebrates diversity.
If you would like more information on Darlington Borough Council's Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations, please contact the Democratic Services Section on tel. (01325) 388351, or by e-mail at democratic@darlington.gov.uk
If you would like more information on the Holocaust you may find the links below useful:
Holocaust Memorial Day Website
The Beth Shalom Holocaust Web Centre