Holocaust Memorial Day in Hull

Residents and community groups are invited to attend the annual Hull Holocaust Memorial Day to honour and remember victims of the Holocaust.

The national Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked with a special ceremony taking place at the Guildhall on Thursday 25 January at 7pm.

This year’s theme focuses on ‘the power of words’ and the programme will include guest speakers together with reflective poems, readings and music.

Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Councillor John Hewitt:

“We hope that local residents and community groups are able to join us on this occasion to remember and challenge the hatred and persecution that exists in the world. January 25 provides an opportunity for everyone to learn the lessons of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides that have occurred throughout this century.”

The programme will include a guest speaker Ian Vellins from the Holocaust Survivors Friendship Association, marking the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, speeches by Mollie Fox and Lucy Thomas from Malet Lambert School, Evelyn Rose from the University of Hull who will speak on modern day genocides, and the Albemarle Quintet and Cantabile Choir.

Dr Nick Evans from the University of Hull who worked closely alongside the Holocaust Memorial Day Committee to organise the event, added:

“We invite members of Hull’s many communities to join us at this ceremony as we mark both the horrors of the Holocaust and in particular the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht (or Night of the Broken Glass) in which the Jews of Europe faced unprecedented cruelty at the hands of the Nazis.”

The event is free and doors open at 6.30pm. The service will commence at 7.00pm and will last for approximately one hour.