First Minister Carwyn Jones will today join a national service in Cardiff to remember the survivors and those who lost their lives during the Holocaust and other genocides.
He will give a reading at Wales’ Holocaust Memorial Day service at City Hall and also lay a wreath alongside the Leader of Cardiff Council Heather Joyce, South Wales Jewish Representative Council member Norma Golten, and Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Wales Saleem Kidwai.
Holocaust Memorial Day is the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides. The theme for 2013 is ‘Communities Together: Build a Bridge’. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is encouraging people to remember those who were betrayed by their neighbours and whose communities where destroyed. It is also asking people to recall those who risked everything to shelter their neighbours who were being persecuted.
The First Minister said: “The very word holocaust brings to mind images from the darkest recesses of human history, where hate and intolerance led to the death of millions of fellow humans.
“Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity for all of us to take the time to remember those who died and those who survived the atrocities of genocide.
“These terrible events are not something from hundreds of years ago, but are a part of our recent history and to remember them contributes to our determination as a society for such horrors never to happen again.”
Caerphilly MP Wayne David and Islwyn MP Chris Evans have both signed a book of commitment in the House of Commons to honour the victims of the Holocaust.
Mr Evans, who is due to give a talk to students at Newbridge Comprehensive School, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the horrors of the Second World War and serves as a reminder to each of us to speak out against hatred and discrimination.
“We must never forget that ultimately, the Nazi regime began when one man’s prejudice went unchecked and unchallenged.
“Sadly, the generation who survived this atrocity are dying out. As every year passes, there are fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors to share their story.
“That is why it is essential that we continue to educate our young people about the horrors of the Holocaust.”