A national service of commemoration has taken place today
(Friday 25th) to remember all
those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and
other genocides around the world.
Held at Cardiff’s City Hall, the service for Wales was hosted by
First Minister and Councillor , leader of Cardiff Council, and
led by the Reverend Canon Stewart Lisk.
Holocaust survivor Renate Collins spoke at the event. On June 30,
1939 at the age of five, Renate boarded a train for the UK – the
last Kindertransport to leave Prague. In total, 64 members of her
family were killed by the Nazis.
Students Edward Crowson and Rebecca Davies from Ysgol Gyfun
Rhydywan, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, spoke during the service about
taking part in the Holocaust Educational Trust’s programme, which
gives pupils from every school and college in Wales the
opportunity to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau and speak to a Holocaust
Survivor.
The Association of Gypsies and Travellers Wales was also
represented at today’s event, along with other faith and
community groups.
The service also marked the 25th anniversary of the
genocide in Rwanda when an estimated one million people were
killed.
Mike and Colette Hughes, who have dedicated their lives to the
post-genocide recovery of Rwanda, Colette’s home country, also
spoke during the service.
The First Minister said: “Today is an opportunity for us all to
remember the millions of innocent people killed in the Holocaust
and other genocides around the world, including in Rwanda.
“Such mass and senseless killing is unfathomable. The fact
Rwanda’s tragedy happened so recently in our history serves as a
reminder of why it is so important we continue to remember and
honour victims and survivors by promoting peace and
equality.
“In a world that is fragile and where are we are still repairing
the damage and the devastation born from such hatred, let Wales
stand as a beacon of hope.”
Councillor Thomas said: “It is vital that we commemorate the
victims of the Holocaust and those who have been affected by
other genocides throughout the world.
“Cardiff is determined to remember those who lost lives in
senseless acts of persecution and we are reminded that sadly in
some nations, racial or religious hatred still goes on. We must
ensure that we learn from past discrimination, in order that
these behaviours are eradicated for future generations.”
Last year, the Welsh Government confirmed it had adopted the
International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition
of antisemitism; encouraging victims of antisemitism to report
it, supporting partner organisations to protect victims of
antisemitic abuse, and helping hold perpetrators to account.
END
Notes
The National Holocaust Memorial service will take place at
Cardiff City Hall on Friday 25 January at 11am. The First
Minister is due to arrive from 10:30am.
The annual service is jointly organised by the Welsh Government
and Cardiff Council.
The First Minister will read the poem We Remember Them and will
lay a wreath.
Holocaust Memorial Day is Sunday 27th January.
