Today, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, alongside civic and
community leaders from across the ten boroughs of Greater
Manchester, gathered to honour the victims of the Holocaust and
conflict.
This year marks the seventh Greater Manchester Holocaust Memorial
Day service. The event marks a key part of the city-region's
long-term commitment to remember the atrocities of the past and
to continue to foster unity in our communities.
The theme for this year's commemoration is ‘For a Better Future'.
Residents of Greater Manchester are encouraged to take action for
a better future by speaking up against prejudice and promoting
unity.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is particularly significant as it
marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the
largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary
of the genocide in Bosnia.
Speakers at the event included Lady Milena Grenfell Baines MBE
and Marzia Babakarkhail. Lady Milena was born in Czechoslovakia
in 1929. In July 1939, when she was nine years old, she and her
3-year-old sister, Eva, were rescued on the last
‘Kindertransport' train, organised by Sir Nicholas Winton. Sir
Winton helped 669 children to escape the Holocaust and find
foster families in the UK. Both the girls were fostered by the
Ratcliffe family in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside.
Marzia Babakarkhail, a former judge and women's rights advocate
from Afghanistan, shared her experiences of persecution by the
Taliban and her journey to rebuild her life in Oldham after
fleeing for her safety in 2008.
The service featured the lighting of candles of remembrance by
representatives from various faith and community organisations
across Greater Manchester. Participants included members of the
Jewish Council and Greater Manchester's Equality Panels.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy said:
“Today, we come together not only to remember the victims of the
Holocaust and conflict but also to reaffirm our commitment to
building a future free from hatred and prejudice. We honour their
memory by standing united against all forms of discrimination and
working towards a better, more inclusive society.
“It was a privilege to hear from both Lady Milena and Marzia.
Their stories are poignant reminders to us to pause and reflect
on what we can do together as a community to work towards a
better future for those in Greater Manchester and everyone across
the world.
“I once again want to thank the Association of Jewish Refugees
and the Holocaust Memorial Trust for their support in this event,
as well as everyone who contributed to this years' service.”
Notes to editors
Holocaust Memorial Day falls on Monday 27 January in 2025
