Conference
Event

Castlereagh Marks Holocaust Memorial Day

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Good Relations Department

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Good Relations Department

Cost: Free

Castlereagh Borough Council’s Good Relations programme will mark the 70th anniversary of Holocaust Memorial Day with a public event on Tuesday 27th January 2015, 6.30pm at the Council Civic Centre.

The 27th January 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau as well as the 20th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2015 is ‘Keep the Memory Alive’, which is particularly appropriate for this major anniversary year.

 

Holocaust Memorial Day urges everyone to reflect on what can happen when racism, prejudice and exclusionary behaviour are unchallenged and how lessons from the past can play a part in our communities today. 

The commemoration evening will commence at 6.30pm and will showcase art creations by local school children which reflect the ‘Keep the Memory Alive’ theme. The primary schools were engaged from early January with a series of educational art based workshops which focused on exploring Anne Frank’s diary and this event provides them the opportunity to display their pieces.  The evening will also include a performance by Belfast Community Gospel Choir, a candle lighting ceremony and talk by key note speaker, Dr Alan Bruce.

Dr Alan Bruce, will reflect on the theme of memory and brings with him more than 20 years’ experience addressing good relations issues.  He will draw on his wealth of knowledge from working in areas of conflict, including the Balkans, Iberia peninsula and Northern Ireland.  Dr Bruce will share his thoughts on lessons from the Holocaust for the island of Ireland and beyond.

The Mayor of Castlereagh, Alderman Jack Beattie, said, “On Holocaust Memorial Day 2015 we will remember the millions killed in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. We want to honour the survivors and take time for reflection upon the lessons of their experiences to challenge hatred and persecution and prevent further atrocities. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all members of the local community to attend.”

Admission is free and a light supper will be provided. Booking is essential. For further information or to book your place, please contact the Council’s Good Relations Officer, Lynsey McCourt on (028) 9049 4522 or [email protected].

 

Date and Time

Location

Castlereagh Borough Council
1 Bradford Court
Belfast
BT6 8RB
United Kingdom

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Contact Details

Lynsey McCourt