On January 27th the UK will observe Holocaust Memorial Day (writes TUC General Secretary PAUL NOWAK).
It is a day we remember the millions murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
We encourage every trade unionist to take part – at home, in workplaces and union branches, and in their communities.
Sculpture by Sir Jacob Epstein
This year – as we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia – everyone is invited to light candles at 8pm in their windows.
Across the country, iconic buildings and landmarks will light up purple during this powerful national moment of commemoration and solidarity.
As part of this, the TUC will illuminate Jacob Epstein’s powerful sculpture at the home of the trade union movement, Congress House. And I will represent the trade union movement at the national commemoration on the 27th.
Holocaust Memorial Day is an occasion for reflection – but it is also a call to action.
The Holocaust was not an inevitable event. It was the result of unchecked prejudice, propaganda, and the dehumanisation of entire groups of people.
By remembering the past we are reminded of our collective responsibility to challenge hatred in all its forms. The atrocities of the Holocaust serve as a stark warning of what can happen when societies remain silent in the face of intolerance and extremist ideologies.
The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘for a better future’.
As I light my candle I will think not only of those who were senselessly killed but of the world we are striving to build. A world rooted in compassion, understanding and justice. And this year, I will think in particular about the need for a lasting peace in the Middle East after more than 15 devastating months of conflict that have seen so much human suffering. That lasting peace will only be built on a two-state solution – a safe and secure Israel and a safe, secure, free Palestine.
By remembering the horrors of the past we can commit ourselves to ensuring that darkness never takes hold again.
We must never forget. We must always strive for peace.
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