Brent Council has confirmed details of its Holocaust Memorial Day programme, inviting residents to take part in a series of commemorative activities later this month.
The main event will take place on Wednesday 28 January and will focus on remembering the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, as well as victims of other genocides, including those in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur.
The Brent Council Holocaust Memorial Events will centre on the theme of “bridging generations”.
The evening is intended to recognise the link between survivors, those who have inherited their stories, and younger generations who continue the work of remembrance. The programme will feature accounts of survival and reflection, creating space for learning from the past and considering how those lessons can inform a more peaceful future.
A key part of the event will be a testimony from John Hajdu MBE, a Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor. His contribution forms part of a wider programme that reflects long-standing elements of the borough’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.
As in previous years, the London Cantorial Singers and JFS will perform. This will be followed by memorial candle lighting led by young people from across the borough, reinforcing the intergenerational focus of the Brent Council Holocaust Memorial Events.
Speaking about the importance of marking the day, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, Councillor Mili Patel, highlighted the borough’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Holocaust Memorial Day calls on all of us to reflect on history and commit to a better future.
“It is our collective duty to stand against hatred and discrimination. By standing shoulder to shoulder, we can pledge to create a society where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is valued. United by our common humanity, we reject hate in all its forms.”
The Brent Council Holocaust Memorial Events are open to all members of the public. The main commemorative event will be held at Brent Civic Centre on Wednesday 28 January, starting at 6pm. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
In addition to the civic event, Brent Council is also marking Holocaust Memorial Day in collaboration with the Lexi Cinema. A screening of Nuremburg will take place on Tuesday 27 January at 7pm, with tickets available to purchase.
