Residents in Torbay are being encouraged to remember victims of genocide on Holocaust Memorial Day on Wednesday 27 January 2021. On the day, Torbay Council will fly the Union Flag at half-mast to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) leads the annual remembrance of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Each year across the UK, thousands of people come together to learn more about the past and take action to create a safer future. We know they learn more, empathise more and do more.

The Worshipful Mayor of Torbay, Councillor Maggi Douglas-Dunbar, said: “It is important that we all take time to remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, and that everyone learns about this dark chapter in history.

“The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable and we cannot be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.”

Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said: “This year commemorations will have to be virtual but there are still a number of ways people can get involved online, so please do take the time to reflect if you can.”

Ways you can get involved in marking Holocaust Memorial Day

• Watch the national Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony online 
• Host a virtual book club via zoom
• Check out the winning photos in the Light Up The Darkness photography competition online 
• View or download a video about Holocaust Memorial Day 
• There are also resources for schools available here 
• For more information visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website.