Bradford’s Lord Mayor, Coun Naveeda Ikram has issued a civic invitation to all the residents of Bradford district to attend a special ceremony to remember the Holocaust and other genocides.
Bradford’s Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Saltaire’s Victoria Hall on Friday 27 January at 11am.
Coun Ikram will bear witness at the event along with the Leader of Bradford Council, Coun Ian Greenwood.
Representatives of Bradford’s Jewish community, Central and Eastern European communities, gypsies, disabled people, faith groups, trade unions, modern day genocides, gay, lesbian and bisexual groups will pledge to never forget the Holocaust nor forget its lessons.
Students and staff of Aire Valley, Belle Vue Boys’ Schools and Ben Rhydding, Cavendish, Hollingwood, Home Farm, Shibden Head, St Mary’s and St Peter’s, Wellington and Wilsden Primary Schools will take part in the day’s activities.
Last year over 200 people representing different victim and survivor groups, faiths, cultural and political backgrounds gathered from across Bradford district to reflect upon the Holocaust and the millions of people affected by genocide.
This year’s theme, ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’ encourages people to consider what they see and hear around them, and to speak up against hatred and discrimination.
First They Came by Pastor Martin Niemoller is being used to inspire people to think about the importance of speaking out against wrongs.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
A special poem been written by Bradford’s Poet Laureate, Gerard Benson will be read out on the day.
Bradford 's Lord Mayor, Coun Naveeda Ikram said: "I would like to invite the people of Bradford to join us for this year’s Holocaust Memorial ceremony.
"We must never forget the depth of human suffering caused by the Holocaust and modern genocides.
"Over 11 million people were murdered by the Nazis. They were individuals - somebody’s friend, mother, father, child, colleague or neighbour.
"We must all remain vigilant and Speak Up and Speak Out whenever we witness discrimination or hatred.”
Attendance at Bradford’s Holocaust Memorial Day is by RSVP only.
Please telephone Anna Frater on 01274 431498 to RSVP.
