Remembering the Holocaust victims
West Lothian holds a special Memorial Day event
Victims and survivors of the Holocaust were remembered in West Lothian.
A special Holocaust Memorial Day event was held at Howden Park Centre in Livingston on Friday ( January 27).
Holocaust Memorial Day is held annually on January 27 to remember of the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the following genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and the ongoing genocide in Darfur.
Each year, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust chooses a different theme to enable the public to learn something new about the past.
Every theme is relevant to the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and to subsequent genocide.
Themes have the life stories of those who were murdered and those who survived at their heart, as well as the experiences of resisters, rescuers and witnesses.
The theme of this year’s events was ‘How can life go on?’
The aftermath of the Holocaust and of subsequent genocides continues to raise challenging questions for individuals, communities and nations.
And Holocaust Memorial Day challenges people to think about what happens after genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime.
At the Livingston event, Jenifer Harley from West Lothian Writers gave a performance of creative writing.
This was followed by a presentation by pupils from St Margaret’s Academy, who shared information about their experience as part of the school’s Auschwitz Project.
Documentary films were shown and stories were read out to recognise the struggle and heartbreak of those caught up in genocides, and stories of how life has gone after such tragedy.
Memorial prayers were led by Reverend John Povey, chair of West Lothian Faith Group and Lord Julian Goodman, Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation.
Leader of West Lothian Council, John McGinty, who opened the event, said: “West Lothian Council is proud to host a Holocaust Memorial Day event.
“West Lothian is a community where residents are educated about tolerance and acceptance, and Holocaust Memorial Day allows us to reflect on the trauma and loss and recognise the need for tolerance and peace.”
Executive councillor for culture and leisure, Dave King, added: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a powerful reminder that hatred, discrimination and racism can only lead to the downfall of society. We can all learn a lesson from Holocaust Memorial Day and continue to promote diversity and equality within West Lothian.”
For more information on HMD visit www.hmd.org.uk.
The aftermarth of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides continues to raise questions