Neath Port Talbot will once again host an evening of remembrance to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and to ensure that lessons from history continue to be learnt.
On Wednesday 3rd February schools from across the county borough will come together to remember the victims of the Holocaust and of subsequent genocides.
Taking place at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre, the event will feature schools from across the County Borough performing dance, song and poetry.
Holocaust Memorial Day is an annual national event which aims not only to remember the victims of genocide but also to explore the circumstances which gave rise to them. Each year has a theme, with last year’s theme ‘Keep the Memory Alive’ looking back over the 70 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
This year’s event will look to the present and the future, with performances themed ‘Don’t Stand By’ exploring individual’s responsibilities not to be bystanders to hate crime and prejudice, nor to international threats of genocide.
Council Leader Cllr Ali Thomas OBE said: “Neath Port Talbot has proudly supported this event since it began back in 2001 and it is vital that we continue to remember those who have died and hear the stories of those whose lives have been changed by these atrocities”.
“The ongoing conflict in Syria and resulting humanitarian crisis means that this year’s theme is particularly fitting. Holocaust Memorial Day 2016 aims to encourage people to consider the ways in which they can choose not to be bystanders and I am proud that the county borough is playing its part in resettling a few of the many families who have been deeply affected by this suffering.”
“Holocaust Memorial Day is a time when we seek to learn the lessons of the past and to recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own, it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented.”
The Holocaust Memorial Evening will take place in The Princess Royal Theatre on Wednesday 3rd February at 7pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.
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