The harrowing events of the Holocaust deserve to be forever remembered not only because of their historical significance, but also to prevent any similar acts of devastation from ever reoccurring.

The Holocaust Memorial Day, (HMD) January 27^th, serves to remind people of the horrendous stigma and discrimination that lead to millions of people losing their lives. This year marks the 70^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a concentration camp that formed part of the Nazis’ attempt to annihilate all of Europe’s Jews.

“By the end of the Holocaust, six million Jewish men, women and children had perished in ghettos, mass-shootings, in concentration camps and extermination camps”

The term ‘Genocide’ is defined as “the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national, racial, political, or cultural group.”* Whilst many associate genocide with World War 2, 2015 also marks the 20^th anniversary of the massacre in Srebrenica, Bosnia. In July 1995 over 7000 Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslim) lost their lives in the worst episode of mass murder within Europe since World War II.

That’s less than twenty years ago.
This despicable act happened in your lifetime.

“Genocide does not just take place on its own, it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented […] Discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of language of hatred or exclusion”

Coventry is commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day in keeping with this year’s HMD theme ‘Keep the memory alive’. The commemorative program takes place in the Lower Precinct, from 12.45 to 1.30, where a single candle will be lit. This candle is one of 70, one for each year past, which will be lit across the country tomorrow afternoon. Attendees will be invited to raise the candle, holding it up as an act of solidarity and remembrance. A short film, “Kemal’s Story” will be shown, highlighting the recent horrors of the Bosnian genocide. Music and speeches will conclude the commemoration.

The theme ‘Keep the memory alive’ concentrates on ensuring those who were killed in the Holocaust, and subsequent events, did not die in vain. Their deaths need to be remembered, to be used as an educational tool to prevent hatred, discrimination, prejudice and violence in the world today.

To find out more about the Holocaust and Genocide visit the HMD website, where you can read powerful stories of the survivors, and view the list of names of those that perished. There are multiple short films and further information available, as well as interviews with the survivors.

Final year BA (Hons) Television and Film Production Student Robin Pepper made this emotional documentary following the story of 89 year old Holocaust survivor Iby Knill.

“One of Iby’s most moving stories related to a promise she made to a twin girl while in Auschwitz. She promised she would tell the world what she had seen. It’s what is still motivating her today. It’s an honour knowing that we’re now playing a part in helping Iby fulfill her promise to tell the world her story”

See more on Iby here

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