Join us in Remembrance on Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Members of Cheltenham Hebrew Congregation, Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community, and Cheltenham Borough Council invite you to join them for the 2023 act of remembrance.

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday 25 January 2023 at 6.30pm in the council chamber at the Municipal offices in Cheltenham.

The evening will be led by Dame Janet Trotter and will include guest speakers, music, prayers and readings (in both English and Hebrew), as well as moments of reflection. Tea, coffee and cake will also be served.

The national theme is ‘Ordinary People’. It encourages refection on the ordinary people who let genocide happen, the ordinary people who actively perpetrated genocide, and the ordinary people who were persecuted. Our theme will also prompt us to consider how ordinary people, such as ourselves, can play a bigger part than we might imagine in challenging prejudice today.

Jennifer Silverston, from the Cheltenham Hebrew Congregation, said: “On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember and honour the memory of those who suffered and died in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. This year we especially remember the ordinary people, the theme of this year’s event.

“We deplore the atrocities being committed in Ukraine to their ordinary people.

“It is up to us, ordinary people, to challenge and overcome discrimination, prejudice and hatred.”

Cllr Flo Clucas, cabinet member for safety and communities, said, “’For evil to flourish, it requires good men to do nothing.’ The words of Simon Wiesenthal, and concentration camp survivor, ring as true today as they did when he said them. It is why Holocaust Memorial Day is so important. We remember those who suffered and those who died. It brings into sharp focus what is happening today, in Ukraine and in other parts of the world. May those who have suffered rest in peace.”

Everyone is welcome to attend, and you can reserve your space via Eventbrite.

For further information about the event please contact Corey McIntyre at [email protected] or 01242 264170.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected].