Holocaust Memorial Day event in Sunderland on 80th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz
An event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day is taking place at Sunderland Minster on Monday, the 80th anniversary of the liberation on Auschwitz concentration camp.
The service will remember the victims of genocides worldwide, while working with the 2025 theme of 'For a better future’. The aim of this message is to remind people that genocide doesn’t just happen, but there are always circumstances at play which build a climate where genocide can take place.
The Sunderland Inter Faith Forum is holding the event at 6.30pm on Monday, and it is open to everyone. Mayor of Sunderland Allison Chisnall, Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Susan Wear, and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness will all be in attendance.
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Alongside them will be the following guest speakers:
Deanna Van der Velde, Director of Newcastle Council of Faiths and Chair of Newcastle Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education.
Professor Yitka Graham of the University of Sunderland.
Mayor Chisnall said: "Commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day is especially significant this year as it marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Ensuring we never forget the lives lost and educating future generations of the consequences of racism and hatred is important."
A spokesperson for the Sunderland Inter Faith Forum added: "This commemoration brings us together to learn of Nazi persecution and in remembrance of the genocides in Cambodia, Darfur, Rwanda and Bosnia which followed, in hope that the actions of ordinary people will prevent further Genocide."
During the memorial event, violinist Judith Thompson will play music from the award-winning film Schindler’s List. For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day, visit the website here.