Manchester City Council will observe Holocaust Memorial Day on (27 January) to pay their respects to the city’s Jewish communities, survivors of the Holocaust and how the city can work come together to create a brighter future.
The day will be marked with poignant events, including a series of talks and performances to give the community and supporters a space to reflect and galavanise efforts to fight anti-Semitism.
The theme this year for Holocaust Memorial Day is “For a Better Future,” which encourages supporters to understand the human impact on Jewish people across generations and other recent genocides to learn from the past and move towards a better future working together.
A sit-down audience with Dr Martin Stern MBE, who is a Holocaust survivor, called ‘For a Better Future,’ will be held at the Rates Hall with opening remarks from the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Andrews, who will pay his personal tribute to the community on 23 January.
The invitation-only event, which is in partnership with the National Holocaust Museum, will also welcome a poetry reading by Hannah Senesh and Memorial Prayer and Moment of Reflection led by Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen before closing remarks by Deputy Leader, Councillor Joanna Midgley.
Since its establishment in 2001, Holocaust Memorial Day has provided a global moment to remember the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution, and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of preventing future atrocities, working towards a day when no genocide occurs.
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “It’s our duty in Manchester to remember the victims of the Holocaust on this important day. Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the horrors of hatred and intolerance. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to eradicate antisemitism.
“This day allows us to forge deeper connections, dispel misconceptions and celebrate the contributions of the Jewish community in Manchester. By coming together, we can foster understanding, unity, and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. Let this day inspire us all to build a future of compassion, respect, and solidarity.”
