Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration

This afternoon there was a short commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day led by Bedford Council of Faiths at the Anne Frank Tree in Russell Park.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Holocaust Memorial Day is a poignant, sad and crucial time where we come together to remember those who were killed in genocide. The Commemorations take on a particular significance this year, marking both 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 25th anniversary of genocide in Bosnia."

The Revd. Cass Howes, Chair of Bedford Council of Faiths said "During the Holocaust Memorial events, we come together as people from many faiths and of no faith to recall the atrocities that took place during The Holocaust and to reflect how we - individually and collectively can instigate changes that create a peaceful future world. Please join us"

Holocaust Memorial Day is the international day to remember those killed under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

This Day is commemorated on 27th January, the date on which Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated. This was the most infamous of the Nazi camps where over 1.1million people were murdered, over 90% of them Jewish.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of genocide in Bosnia.