Doncaster Council is marking Holocaust Memorial Day with an event at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery on Friday 27 January at 10am. 

The event will be attended by the Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, and the Civic Mayor, Councillor Eva Hughes as well as children from Ashfield, Auckley, Dunsville, Mallard and Mexborough primary schools.

Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity for residents to learn lessons from the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides.  It is a time to remember the millions who have been murdered in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur in order to challenge hatred and persecution in the UK today.

The theme for 2012 is ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’, echoing the famous poem by Pastor Martin Niemöller ‘First They Came’.  Niemöller was a German anti-Nazi theologian and Lutheran pastor who was imprisoned in concentration camps from 1937 to 1945. 

Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “It is a privilege to once again be leading this remembrance event at the Museum and Art Gallery.  Unfortunately atrocities continue around the world and Doncaster is home to people who have escaped genocide in places like Bosnia and Rwanda.  Niemöller’s message is an important one which remains as vital and relevant as ever.  I would like local people to reflect upon their rights, responsibilities and duties to speak up when they see or hear something they believe to be wrong.”

The Civic Mayor, Councillor Eva Hughes, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who have suffered because of ignorance and intolerance.  I hope everyone around the borough will take part in the day.”