National Holocaust Memorial Day to be marked

Wed, 22 Jan 2020

Manx people will remember all those who died in the Holocaust genocides worldwide in a special event this weekend.

 

The Isle of Man’s annual service of commemoration will be held at St George’s Church in Douglas on Sunday 26th January at 3 pm.

 

Members of churches and faith organisations, senior members of the government and Tynwald, school children, community groups and members of the public will enjoy a varied service comprising readings, remembrance, prayers, music and song. 

 

Organised each year by members of the Island’s Jewish community, it's held alongside similar Holocaust Day commemorations throughout the British Isles, reflecting this year on the theme Stand Together. 

 

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and 25 years since the genocide of Bosnian Muslims. 

 

As in previous years, Chief Minister Howard Quayle, the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man the Right Reverend Peter Eagles and the President of Tynwald Steve Rodan will be among the congregation; Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney will be represented by the Deputy Governor, His Honour First Deemster Andrew Corlett. 

 

Extracts from the moving personal stories of two young people who suffered persecution at the hands of the Nazis in 1944 and Bosnian Serb forces in 1992, will be read during the service.

 

In his address, the Chief Minister Howard Quayle will explore the role of the state in defending the freedom of speech while protecting citizens from hate speech, and will urge families, educators and the broader community to show tolerance of other people’s religion, culture and lifestyles. 

 

The Chief Minister said: ‘Holocaust Memorial Day is an important occasion for the Isle Man. The service has at its heart the stories of those who lost their lives and those who survived, as well as rescuers, witnesses and those who resisted. 

 

'I look forward to an occasion which is as uplifting as it is, in parts, deeply solemn. By continuing to reflect on the causes of the Holocaust and genocide at occasions such as this, we can work towards a better future.’ 

---