Holocaust Memorial Day

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day and this day is supported as a day of remembrance by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. It encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide, the international day on 27 January remembers the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of people killed under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is Patron of the Holocaust Memorial Trust. This year, the commemorative ceremony will take place virtually and the Prince of Wales will open the ceremony with his welcome as Patron. 

The Prince of Wales said “Holocaust Memorial Day falls at the end of Winter, when the returning light is all the more welcome for the long darkness that has gone before. As we look back again this year on the griefs and losses of the past, of the terrible bereavement and loneliness, let us renew our resolve never to forget the lessons of history and to keep the precious light of freedom, understanding and hope alive in the year to come.”

Some very poignant words from The Prince of Wales and we have our part to play in challenging hatred and discrimination. 

On this Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January 2021, we think about all those who are are survivors and victims’ scarred for life and for those who are not able to defend themselves and in the words of a prayer scratched on the wall of a prison cell in Cologne by a Jewish prisoner we pray for peace, unity and justice.

I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. 

I believe in love, even when I cannot feel it. 

I believe in God, even when he is silent. Amen.