Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked by a national commemorative event in central London on Sunday, attended by senior politicians, faith leaders and survivors. More than 11,000 activities and events are also planned across the UK.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place on 27 January each year and is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Imam Qari Asim, chair of Mosques & Imams National Advisory Board wants to use this significant day to share an important message of solidarity and vigilance.
He said: “This Sunday we mark Holocaust Memorial day, an opportunity to remember those targeted under Nazi persecution, including six million Jews, and those who affected by genocides which followed: the Holocaust: in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. This year we also mark the 25th anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda and the 40th anniversary of the end of the Genocide in Cambodia.
Qari Asim also said that in commemoration it is also important to reflect, to think on the lessons of history and to learn from them. “We live in a world where sometimes we do not always feel safe or secure, and where it can feel like there are many challenges. It is at times like these that we cannot become complacent and we cannot allow the language of prejudice and hatred to win, whether that be anti-Semitism, islamophobia, homophobia or any other type of discrimination.
“We must continue to work together with communities to ensure that man’s inhumanity to man is never allowed to unleash such horrors and tragedy again.”
The popular and respected Imam’s message is one of unity and he along with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, have written a joint letter which reveals an important message of solidarity and vigilance:
https://www.hmd.org.uk/news/faith-leaders-sign-joint-letter-for-hmd-2019/
Qari Asim said that the Holocaust Memorial is a poignant reminder that we all need to play our part in creating a better future, striving for peace, and a call on each of us in this country to offer the hand of friendship to one new person and celebrate our differences.
