We are encouraging residents in Torbay to remember the victims of genocide this Holocaust Memorial Day on Thursday 27 January.

Holocaust Memorial Day is remembered each year on 27 January to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 19545.

The theme for this year is ‘One Day’ in hope that in the future there may be one day with no genocide.

This national commemoration day is dedicated to remembering the six million Jewish men, women and children who suffered in the Holocaust under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

To mark this anniversary we will fly the Union Flag on Torquay Town Hall at half-mast and the festoon lighting on Paignton and Torquay seafront will shine purple for the evening. Those attending the Overview and Scrutiny Board on 27 January will also be invited to have a moment of reflection at the start of the meeting.

Cllr Terry Manning, The Worshipful, The Mayor of Torbay said; “It is important to remember the victims of the Holocaust and the subsequent genocides. It is an opportunity to learn more about the horrors that occurred during this time in history. Anti-semitism, prejudice and discrimination are still present today and it is important as ever we all try to work towards a world free from hate.”

Cllr Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services for Torbay Council said; “There are a number of ways people can get involved in Holocaust Memorial Day this year. With events taking place virtually they are easy to get involved with. Please do take the time to remember the victims if you can.”

Ways to get involved in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day

• Watch the national ceremony on Thursday 27 January at 7pm.
• Join the nation and light the darkness by lighting a candle and putting it in your window at 8pm on Thursday 27 January
• Upload a photo of your candle on social media with the #HolocaustMemorialDay and #LightTheDarkness hashtags
• Pick one day from this period in history to learn about

More information on how to get involved this year are on the Holocaust Memorial Day website.