Holocaust Memorial Day 2021

The international theme for 2021 commemorations is 'Light the Darkness' with a number of commemorative online events organised by Sunderland City Council

75 Memorial Flames Online Exhibition

A memorial flame artwork made by Sunderland schoolchildren was chosen from over 300 entries to be part of a national art exhibition commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau which was unveiled at the UK Ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day in London on 27 January 2020.

Made by children from Bexhill Academy, Lambton Primary School, Grangetown Primary and St Leonard's Primary Schools, the project was commissioned and developed by Sunderland Libraries Services working with MBC Arts Wellbeing and local blacksmith Darren Witty from Norfolk Street Forge, it takes the form of 75 coal-forged steel candle holders housed in a hollow steel frame spelling out the word 'FREI' - one of the words above the main gate at Auschwitz.

The exhibition, due to be hosted in Sunderland in January 2021, has been postponed due to covid restrictions, but is available to view in full as an online event using the following link. https://www.hmd.org.uk/resource/75-memorial-flames-digital-exhibition/

Light the Darkness landmarks

On Holocaust Memorial Day, iconic landmarks and buildings around the country will be lighting up, to mark the day and take part in the national commemoration.

The North Spire Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Keel Square and the Beacon of Light are among Sunderland landmarks that will be lit up in the colour purple from dusk until dawn.

Sunderland InterFaith Forum Online Service

The Sunderland InterFaith Forum, with support from the University of Sunderland, has developed a video based around Holocaust Memorial Day's theme of 'a light in the darkness', as an alternative to the annual service held at Sunderland Minster.

Joining the InterFaith Forums Co-chairman Chris Howson, this year's speakers will include the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor David Snowdon, Reverend Canon Stuart Bain, and Rabbi Sybil Sheridan from Newcastle Reform Synagogue. Music will also be provided by Redby Primary Academy Choir, and cellist Simon Wallfisch.

The service will also host Holocaust Survivor Anita Lasker Walfisch, who will tell her story about how she survived the gas chambers and what it was like to be a musician playing in the camp orchestra.

UK Ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day

The ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day will be streamed live for the first time at 7pm on 27 January.

After the ceremony, households across the UK are being asked to light a candle and put it in their window to remember those who were murdered for who they were and to stand against prejudice and hatred today.

To register for the online ceremony please go to https://www.hmd.org.uk/uk-holocaust-memorial-day-2021-ceremony/

Cllr Linda Williams, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City said: "It's so important that we remember the Holocaust, teaching future generations through history about what can happen when racism, tyranny and intolerance are allowed to be part of life without questioning.

"I'd ask everyone in Sunderland to help us commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, this year, and hope these events will help raise awareness and understanding of the 2021 theme - Light the Darkness."

For more information on what is happening nationally for Holocaust Memorial Day, visit www.hmd.org.uk