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Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place each year on 27 January.
It is a time to remember the millions of people who have been murdered or had their lives changed beyond recognition during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides throughout the world.
With the focus this year of be the light in the darkness Epping Forest District Council is lighting its Civic Offices purple to show support for the Holocaust Memorial Day theme.
Holocaust Memorial Day provides a chance to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to be the light before, during and after genocide.
Stand in solidarity
Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Helen Kane has a special message to mark the occasion:
In our society today abuse and conspiracy theories are easily spread on social media platforms. This can lead to increasing levels of denial, division and misinformation.
Developments in technology, a turbulent political climate, and world events beyond our control can leave us all feeling helpless and insignificant.
But through these unprecedented times, in which we live, we have seen the very best of human endeavour, though the great many acts of kindness and the wonderful major developments in the scientific world. All of which give us hope for the future.
That is why this year we can all stand in solidarity to be the light in the darkness by lighting our Civic Offices on Thursday 27 January.
UK HMD Ceremony
The UK HMD Ceremony will be streamed live at 7pm on 27 January – register here to receive the link to watch. As the Ceremony ends, get ready to Light the Darkness with a candle and safely put it in your window to:
- Remember those who were murdered for who they were
- Stand against prejudice and hatred today
Upload a photo of your candle on social media, using the hashtags #HolocaustMemorialDay and #LightTheDarkness.
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