Holocaust Memorial Day to be marked at Salisbury Guildhall
A local event is taking place today to "remember" and "reflect" on the impact of the Holocaust
A morning of reflection on the Holocaust and the impact of genocide will be held at an event in Salisbury Guildhall today (Friday).
The event is being held to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, and will have local speakers sharing theirs and their families’ experience of the Holocaust.
The international day remembers the six million Jews murdered during the Second World War, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups.
This year’s theme is ‘Ordinary People’ and aims to reflect on that time, while shining a light on the impact of genocide on ordinary lives on our world today.
Wilton Town Councillor, Alexandra Boyd, will be one of the speakers - she said:
“I am taking part in this event to tell of my family history because I see the joy in my children’s eyes being allowed to celebrate who they are. Something that was and is still denied to many people today! It is important to educate and not let others forget.”
The day also marks and remembers the impact of genocides that followed World War II, such as in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Another speaker at the event is local woman, Ilana Natelova:
“I feel that it is my duty to share my Grandparent's legacy.
"I would not be here, had my Grandparents not dreamed of a safe place to live, to have acted bravely and with constant perseverance to find refuge in a place they knew very little about; a different culture, language, etc.
"They gave themselves the chance of survival, and a right to live without fear”.
Mayor of Salisbury, Tom Corbin, will host the event at Salisbury Guildhall from 10am.
Local residents, students, representatives of faith and community groups have been invited to share stories, and to take the time to increase their understanding of the impacts of genocide.
Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Tom Corbin said:
“I encourage people to come along to Salisbury Guildhall on Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January to attend this very poignant event, to learn and share stories from local people whose families have suffered from such horrific hate crimes and to help ensure future generations pledge to stand against such hatred.”
The Holocaust Memorial Book will also be open for members of the public to sign after the event from 1 – 5pm in the Guildhall.