On January 26, Leeds will honor the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a heartfelt Holocaust Memorial Day event, featuring Nick Winton, son of the heroic Sir Nicholas Winton, as the keynote speaker. This poignant gathering, themed ‘For a Better Future’, aims to remember the six million Jewish victims and promote unity, peace, and resilience against hatred within the community.
What is the significance of the Holocaust Memorial Day event in Leeds?
The Holocaust Memorial Day event in Leeds is a significant remembrance and educational occasion, marking the liberation of Auschwitz and honoring the memory of genocide victims. It promotes peace, tolerance, and diversity, while reflecting on the atrocities committed and reaffirming the community’s commitment to preventing future genocides.
Commemorating the Liberation of Auschwitz
On the momentous 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Leeds will hold a solemn remembrance. The city’s Holocaust Memorial Day civic event, set for Sunday, 26 January at 2pm, will be hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung. Recognizing a pivotal moment in history, the event, themed ‘For a Better Future’, is fully booked and poised to engage a reflective audience at City Varieties.
Nick Winton, the son of Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton MBE, known for his extraordinary rescue mission on the cusp of the Second World War, is this year’s keynote speaker. He will share the profound narrative of his father’s efforts to save 669 children from Czechoslovakia from the clutches of Nazi persecution. This narrative not only honors his father’s legacy but illuminates the spirit of humanity that persists even in the darkest of times.
In a televised revelation on the program ‘That’s Life’, Sir Nicholas’s heroism, once nearly forgotten, came to light after decades, leading to heartwarming reunions with some of the individuals he saved. His life and actions are now immortalized in the 2023 major film ‘One Life’, starring Anthony Hopkins, ensuring that his story continues to inspire future generations.
A Tapestry of Remembrance and Hope
The Holocaust Memorial Day event is not only a local observance but also part of an international day of remembrance. It focuses on the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and extends to honoring the memory of those from other minority groups persecuted by the Nazis. The day is also a stark reminder of the atrocities committed in subsequent genocides, including those in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
2023’s event carries extra weight as it also marks the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide. The Opera North Youth Chorus has collaborated with writer Tom Hastings to present a piece that encapsulates the theme ‘For a Better Future’, drawing from contemporary source material. This creative endeavor is supported by music composed by artists who perished in Auschwitz, further deepening the event’s resonance.
The ceremony will conclude with a poignant reading of seven statements of commitments, followed by the lighting of candles by representatives of groups targeted in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. A memorial prayer will be sung to bring the proceedings to a close, serving as a tribute to the lives lost and a beacon of hope for the eradication of such hatred from the world.
Educational Events and Communal Engagement
Amidst the solemnity, Leeds is hosting several additional events for educational and communal engagement. On Thursday, 23 January at 7:30pm, the Howard Assembly Rooms will stage ‘The Orchestras of Auschwitz’. This unique concert will resurrect musical works penned by Holocaust prisoners, bringing lost voices back to the present.
Towards the end of the month, on Thursday, 30 January, two separate screenings will offer further reflection. Otley Courthouse will feature ‘The Zone of Interest’, a film based on the Martin Amis novel, at 2pm. It offers a glimpse into the life of Rudolf Höss, the Auschwitz commandant, and his family. At 7pm the same day, Seven Artspace will screen ‘One Life’, the Anthony Hopkins film that celebrates the humanitarian deeds of Sir Nicholas Winton.
For those seeking deeper insights into Holocaust History, Leeds Libraries have curated a selection of pertinent books, accessible through their Holocaust Memorial Day-related book list. While tickets for the main event are no longer available, those for the additional events can be obtained through the following links:
- The Orchestra of Auschwitz: Opera North
- One Life film showing: Seven Leeds
- Zone of Interest: Otley Courthouse
The significance of the Holocaust Memorial Day extends beyond mere remembrance. It is a day that prompts the community of Leeds to stand united against the shadows of hate and xenophobia. Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, emphasizes that this day is crucial for reaffirming our dedication to preventing the horrors of genocide and fostering trust amidst the city’s diverse communities. Through such acts of remembrance and education, Leeds demonstrates its commitment to peace, tolerance, and the celebration of diversity—values that are as vital today as they have ever been.
- Leeds will host a Holocaust Memorial Day event on January 26, honoring the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with keynote speaker Nick Winton, son of Sir Nicholas Winton.
- The event is themed ‘For a Better Future’ and aims to promote unity, peace, and resilience against hatred while reflecting on the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
- This year’s observance also marks the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide, highlighting the remembrance of victims from various minority groups persecuted by the Nazis.
- Additional educational events include a concert featuring music composed by Holocaust prisoners and screenings of films related to the Holocaust and Sir Nicholas Winton’s legacy.
- The significance of Holocaust Memorial Day emphasizes the need for community unity against hate and xenophobia, reaffirming a commitment to preventing future genocides.