Town in tribute to victims of Holocaust
ROCHDALE stood together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
More than 100 people attended a special ceremony at the town hall, commemorating victims and survivors of the Holocaust, Nazi persecutions and other genocides around the world.
The event began with the rededication of the Holocaust Memorial Stone in the Memorial Gardens, to commemorate the extermination of six million Jews and other minority groups by the Nazis.
Attendees then listened to speeches and readings from Holocaust survivor Henry West, the Rev Mark Coleman and Imam Irfan Chishti, members of the Youth Parliament, Rochdale Borough Multi-Faith Partnership and the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale.
Six candles of remembrance were also lit to remember other genocides from around the world over the last 100 years.
Guests then observed a minute’s silence and reflection.
The Mayor Coun Ray Dutton said: “Every year we commit to commemorating the Holocaust so we can learn its lessons and continue to fight against prejudice and hatred.
“We must remember and teach future generations that we cannot change the past but we can affect our future.”
The service ended with a monologue performance, reimagining the life of Anne Frank, by Lizzie Wilson from Hamer-based M6 Theatre Company and live music from the Rochdale Music Service.
This year’s event was organised by the borough’s Multi-Faith Partnership with Rochdale council and The Arts Council.
It focused on the question ‘How can life go on?’ asking people to think about what happens after genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime.
The guests included local residents, council representatives and its partners and people from various faith and community groups around Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton.
Robin Parker, chairman of the Rochdale MultiFaith Partnership, said: “This year we were particularly proud to work with both the Youth Service and M6 Youth Theatre who really made this event special.”
Next year’s commemorations will be held in Heywood.