“The lessons it teaches us are as relevant today as they were 60 years ago and even now when we are living in peace, we must guard against the evils of prejudice and discrimination.
“Within the increasingly diverse society here we are have found that ethnic minorities and migrant workers have become targets for prejudice.
“Holocaust Memorial Day challenges us to remember the horrors of the past, to reflect on our own attitudes to those who differ from us and to react positively to create a better future for ourselves and our children in a society where differences are respected.”
The Junior Minister was speaking at the Regional Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration held in Parliament Buildings, tonight Thursday, in front of an audience including members of the local Jewish Community as well as representatives from local ethnic minority and other groups.
he theme for the commemoration this year is “Imagine – remember, reflect, react”
Minister Kelly also announced that the Holocaust Educational Trust’s “Lessons from Auschwitz” project would be extended here for the first time in 2008. The project will enable young people to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau in order to explore the universal lessons of the Holocaust and its relevance for today.
The Holocaust Memorial Day was initiated seven years ago to ensure that the crimes committed against humanity during the Holocaust are never forgotten, particularly by younger generations.
Notes to Editors:
- The “Lessons from Auschwitz” project is organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust. From 2008, the project will enable young people from Northern Ireland to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau in order to deepen their understanding of the holocaust and how its lessons are relevant for today. Further details can be obtained from the project website
- The first UK Holocaust Memorial Day was held on 27 January 2001, in London.
- Belfast hosted the UK Commemoration in 2004 and has held regional commemoration events in Belfast (2002), Armagh (2003), Derry (2005), Enniskillen (2006) and Lisburn (2007).
- Further information about the Holocaust Memorial Day can be obtained from the holocaust website.
- National events will be held in Dublin and Liverpool on Sunday, 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi extermination camp at Auschwitz.
- Media Enquiries to: Press Office, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister 028 905 21840/21595.
- Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
