Merseyside’s PCCs to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

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Rows of candles

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner will mark international Holocaust Memorial Day this Friday (27 January).

The region’s new Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr Jeanie Bell, will represent the Commissioner at this years’ service of Remembrance at Liverpool Town Hall.

The service will see performances from King David High School, prayers led by Rabbi Natan Fagleman, Allerton Hebrew Congregation, and an Act of Commitment by representatives of other faiths, as well as novelist Vivien Churney providing the service’s guest speaker.

Holocaust Memorial Day is held on 27 January each year, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well as serving as an act of remembrance of all victims of the Holocaust and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.

The theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘Ordinary People’, acknowledging the role that ordinary people have played in atrocities as well as the power everyone has to stop prejudice. 

Liverpool Town Hall, the Cunard Building and St George’s Hall will also be lit purple on Friday to mark the day.

Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “It’s vital that we continue to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, remembering and honouring the millions who have lost their lives through genocide, while also renewing our commitment to promoting understanding and awareness of the dreadful atrocities that have taken place.

“It is an opportunity for us to ensure that the attitudes which led to these terrible acts are never repeated. 

“We are lucky to live in such a vibrant and diverse community here in Merseyside and I am passionate about making sure that the message is as clear today as it has ever been that our region says no to prejudice in all its forms.”  

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jeanie Bell said: “I’m honoured to be representing the Commissioner at this years’ service, paying tribute to the many victims of genocide around the world. We must spread awareness that hatred and prejudice have no place in our community and commit to making Merseyside a safe place for everyone.

“Remembering the past is crucial in ensuring we educate future generations and work towards eliminating racism, hatred and persecution from our society for good. “

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Roy Gladden said: “Each year, Holocaust Memorial Day gives us space to remember those who have been victims of genocide and renew the commitment that these crimes can never be allowed to happen again.

“This year’s theme is ‘Ordinary People.’ Ordinary people are not only the victims of genocides, they are the perpetrators. People who turn a blind eye to prejudice and believe propaganda.

“It’s easy to think that these appalling crimes that happened in the past have little to do with us today, but fighting ignorance and hatred is the responsibility of all of us and this week’s service at the Town Hall is a timely reminder of that.”