Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 to be marked in virtual ceremony

An online ceremony that will remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust will be shared by East Devon District Council (EDDC). 

The council commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day every year on January 27 – the day that Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, was liberated.

Unfortunately due to the current pandemic and restrictions in place EDDC’s Chair Councillor Cathy Gardner is unable to host an event at the authority’s headquarters – Blackdown House.

Residents can instead gather (in spirit) for a virtual ceremony held by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, between 7pm and 8pm.

The organisation encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide. It promotes and supports Holocaust Memorial Day which remembers all the people murdered for who they were in the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day. The world often feels fragile and vulnerable and no one can be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by everyone.

The UK ceremony will be open to everyone and it is hoped that as many people as possible will watch and engage with the event.

Cllr Gardner said: “Despite COVID-19, it remains important to remember all those that died during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. I hope that the online ceremony will be well attended."

To register for the event visit https://hmdt.geteventaccess.com/public/events/6587e0ff-fcbd-416a-b190-5404c23563bb/guests/create

Anyone who signs up will also receive email reminders in January, with the link to the ceremony.