HUNDREDS of people in Redditch marked Holocaust Memorial Day by attending a procession and poignant service in the town.

The event, which remembers victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution, was organised by Redditch Council.

 

Redditch Advertiser: This year's theme was ‘Don’t Stand By’, which asks people to consider their personal responsibility and not to be a bystander to persecution and genocide.

Julia Kinch, the granddaughter of last year’s speaker holocaust survivor Iby Knill, gave a speech reminding people to not just remember those who lost their lives or survived the persecution but to also learn lessons and act on them.

Redditch Advertiser:

Mayor Pattie Hill with Redditch's MP Karen Lumley and Julia Kinch, the granddaughter of last year’s speaker holocaust survivor Iby Knill.

Miss Kinch lit the flame at the Holocaust sculpture in memory of all those who perished during the genocide.

Originally set up by the late Councillor Betty Passingham, the event's organising group is now chaired by council leader Bill Hartnett.

"It was a truly moving and inspirational day," Cllr Hartnett said. "We have been doing this for a least 15 years, and I think it is really significant that we do this and not forget.

"It is important because it reminds us to look after one another and care for each other and we shall continue to do it for as long as we can."

Redditch Advertiser:

Youngsters from Astwood Bank Primary choir performing at the service in the Kingfisher Centre.

Town MP Karen Lumley read out a reflection written by Nisad ‘Sisko’ Jakupovic, who was imprisoned in the notorious Omarska Concentration Camp in Bosnia, along with his brothers in the early 90s.

Mrs Lumley said: “This is always a moving and thought-provoking event and it is a privilege to be able to take part and to remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

Redditch Advertiser:

The Holocaust remembrance parade makes its way from Redditch Town Hall towards the Kingfisher Centre for a service. (Centre) Redditch Mayor Pattie Hill. (Left) council leader Bill Hartnett.

The event was held on Saturday, January 23 with Holocaust Memorial Day taking place today January 27.