A time to think and reflect.
What is Holocaust Memorial Day?Source: HMD
Holocaust Memorial Day is about commemorating all of the communities who suffered as a result of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution, and demonstrating that the Holocaust is relevant to everyone in the UK today. The day provides a focus – through the national and local events and activities – for people to think about the continuing repercussions of the Holocaust and more recent genocides on our society.
The central focus for Holocaust Memorial Day remains the Holocaust, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on more recent atrocities that raise similar issues. The tragedies of Rwanda, Kosovo and other terrible events in the world show that there are still many lessons to be learnt, both in international and individual terms.
In the UK, hundreds of events and activities are held to mark the Day. A different part of the UK hosts the national commemoration each year, so far it has been held in London (2001 & 2005), Manchester (2002), Edinburgh (2003), Belfast (2004) and Cardiff (2006). Newcastle will be hosting the national event in 2007.
Every year, a different theme is announced for Holocaust Memorial Day. This provides a focus for events and education in local and national commemorations. In 2007, the theme is “The Dignity of Difference” . Previous years’ themes are available online.
When is Holocaust Memorial Day?
Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27th January. This date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, seen as a powerful symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust.
What does Holocaust Memorial Day aim to achieve?
Holocaust Memorial Day’s aims are to:
Remember all victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution ; Jews, Roma and Sinti (Gypsies), East European civilians, Russian prisoners of war, trade unionists, communists, political opponents, disabled people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, gay men and lesbians and Black Germans.
Reflect upon those affected by more recent atrocities, in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Kosovo. Educate about the dangers of anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of discrimination.
Ultimately the day aims to restate the continuing need for vigilance and to motivate people, individually and collectively, to ensure that the horrendous crimes, racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust are neither forgotten nor repeated, whether in Europe or elsewhere in the world.
The Day’s aims are set out in more detail in the Holocaust Memorial Day Statement of Purpose.
Why is Holocaust Memorial Day relevant to me?
The Holocaust was a defining event of the 20th century and is part of the UK’s history. Although mainland Britain and Northern Ireland were not occupied during WW2, the impact on Britons was significant and wide-ranging:
- Refugees fled here from Nazi persecution
- Britain was engaged in a war to defeat the attempt of the Nazis to occupy and oppress the European continent with its supremacist ideology
- UK soldiers liberated Bergen-Belsen concentration camp
- Survivors and refugees who rebuilt their lives here are part of our heritage
- Britain played a lead role in developing the international conventions protecting universal human rights, after WW2, the world came to terms with the impact of Nazi policies.
Nazi ideology was founded on racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination, creating a fascist state that rejected human and civil rights. The evils of prejudice, discrimination and intolerance continue to exist in Britain. We have lessons to apply today, as individuals, communities and institutions within our society. Progress has been made, which we need to protect, however, Hate crimes and attacks against people because of their race or ethnicity, because of their sexuality, because they are disabled or because of their religion continue to take place. The Day acts as a reminder to all of us of our responsibility to protect the civil and human rights of all people in our society and as part of the international community.
Holocaust Memorial Day is an issue for everyone. The lessons of the Holocaust are of universal relevance and have implications for us all. Holocaust Memorial Day offers an opportunity for people in the UK in the 21st century to reflect upon, consider and discuss how those events still have relevance for all members of today’s society without detracting from or lessening the Jewish aspect of Holocaust remembrance. Holocaust Memorial Day is distinct from Yom HaShoah, the Jewish day of remembrance for the Jewish victims of the Nazis that falls in late April.
How can I participate?
Events are held all over the country and are open to all. These range from civic ceremonies to theatre performances. Anyone can organise an activity to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, please see our local activity section for more information.
How is Holocaust Memorial Day commemorated internationally?
In May 1998, the Swedish, UK and US Governments established the Task Force for International Co-operation on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research. They were subsequently joined by Germany, Israel, Poland, the Netherlands, France and Italy, and there are now 25 member countries (www.holocausttaskforce.org)
In 2000, Prime Minister, Tony Blair announced the establishment of Holocaust Memorial Day. It was decided that the first Day would take place in 2001.
At the same time in January 2000, forty four governments from around the world sent delegations to Stockholm, Sweden, to attend the Stockholm International Forum on Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research. At the end of the conference, the heads of delegation unanimously signed The Stockholm Declaration. The principles of the declaration have been adapted to form the UK’s Statement of Commitment underpinning Holocaust Memorial Day.
In October 2005, the United Nations designated 27th January as International Holocaust Memorial Day.(...)
Light A Candle for Holocaust Memorial Day
If you want to show your support for Holocaust Memorial Day this year, why not join us in ‘lighting a candle’? On your own or with a group of people, this simple but powerful action serves as a remembrance of the millions of people who were killed in the Holocaust and other genocides, just because they were “different”. It also symbolises our commitment to learning the lessons of the past and creating an inclusive society for the future.
You could light a candle or even organise your own candle-inspired activities, such as putting together a mural of candle pictures, projecting a candle image or placing a candle image on your website.
Lighting a candle is a Jewish custom to remember people who have passed away. It is also symbolic in many other faiths including Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a time for us to remember those who have suffered and lost their lives during the Holocaust and other atrocities. By lighting a candle you are showing your support at embracing diversity and dispelling the darkness that racism, oppression and ignorance can lead to.
12 comments:
I'm glad you support Holocaust Meorial Day. I'm sure then you'll agree with the following LGF posts.
The Bolton City Council in Manchester has bowed to the vile demands of the radical Islamic front group calling itself the Muslim Council of Britain, and banned Holocaust Day.
Link:
http://www.boltoneveningnews.co.uk/display.var.1152040.0.fury_as_council_axes_holocaust_memorial_service.php
They also had a poll from the Bolton Evening News showing that over 90% agree with scrapping the day.
They want to change it to a day about how Israel created a holocaust against the Palestinians...
"The Bolton City Council in Manchester has bowed to the vile demands of the radical Islamic front group calling itself the Muslim Council of Britain, and banned Holocaust Day."
Except that's bollocks. They haven't banned it. They've decided to observe a more general genocide day instead. Also, the MCB has made no such demands on Bolton Council.
"They want to change it to a day about how Israel created a holocaust against the Palestinians.."
Genocide Day is concept that's been around for a couple of years and it is mainly being promoted to cover recent atrocities in Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. To suggest that the concept is to focus on Palestine is completely disingenious...if you read the article the statement on Palestine is quoted from the MCB's idea of Genocide day but unfortunately there seems to be no link between Boltons Interfaith Council's Genocide Day and the MCB's version.....then again we expect nothing less from LGF.
So apart from spinning this out of all proportion you are right in one thing. We do support Holocaust Memorial Day. I am personally disappointed that Bolton Council is changing focus.
PS if Charles and his moronic hordes cared about and supported HMD isn't it strange that the only posts on the matter were about Bolton Council's decision? You'd think such a 'righteous gentile' would commemorate the the liberation of Auschwitz wouldn't you?
Except that's bollocks. They haven't banned it.
Right...they didn't ban it, they just got rid of it. I agree with you, 'ban' is the wrong word. 'eliminated' would have been more accurate.
Also, the MCB has made no such demands on Bolton Council.
That's like saying Ahmadinejad never made a direct challenge to the Anti-Defamation league, so he must have a neutral stance on them. (which you may actually believe)
As you well know, the MCB boycotts this day - and urges all Muslims to not participate unless it includes in particular the "Palestinian Holocaust"
Source: UK Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1452462,00.html
In fact, Bolton has a large muslim community, and the poll shows over 90% agree that it should be scrapped. You may feel that this fact plays no role in the decision - I find it a stretch.
if Charles and his moronic hordes cared about and supported HMD isn't it strange that the only posts on the matter were about Bolton Council's decision?
Charles and company doesn't care about HMD, that's why they are upset a group eliminated celebrating it? (and we're moronic?)
Boltons Interfaith Council's Genocide Day and the MCB's version.....then again we expect nothing less from LGF
Bolton's stance is now to make it a inclusive holiday to commerate all Holocausts...including what MCB that wanted - to include and most likely emaphsize Palestine. (since Bolton has a large Muslim population)
I am personally disappointed that Bolton Council is changing focus.
I'm glad we can agree on something, and that you disagree with 90% of the largely muslim community of Bolton.
1. They haven't banned or eliminated it, reorganised or rededicated would be better terms.
2. You've yet to provide any proof of the MCB directly pressuring Bolton Council which was the original claim.
3. Charles obviously cares so much he didn't even bother to post about HMD, it only becomes relevant to him when it's used as a topic to attack Islam. He is using holocaust remembrance as a tool for his own ends. That's about as sick as you can get.
4. There is no evidence of MCB involvement in this instance, there was no mention of Palestine except for the articles quote from the MCB's goals. So you see the Palestine angle is one of the articles creation not of Bolton Council or Bolton Interfaith Council.
5. It's not 90% of Bolton's community though is it. This is an online poll that has been linked to by various international websites and is read by a number of people from outside of the Bolton area. It's not representative of views of Boltonians at all.
1. They haven't banned or eliminated it, reorganised or rededicated would be better terms.
Yes, I have already agreed with you they have not banned it. However, they have eliminated it. There is no longer a HMD as we know it in Bolton. In their own words "Bolton City has SCRAPPED HMD"
Here is the source: Bolton City news itself
Source:
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/display.var.1152040.0.holocaust_memorial_service_fury.php
2. You've yet to provide any proof of the MCB directly pressuring Bolton Council which was the original claim.
Again, I've already addressed this.
Yes, the MCB did not directly challenge the city of Bolton, but they challenge the whole of UK (Bolton included). The MCB lobbies to eliminate HMD in all of UK society....Bolton included.
As I illustrated before, what your doing is like saying Ahmadinejad never made a direct challenge to the Anti-Defamation league, so he must have a neutral stance on them.
3. Charles obviously cares so much he didn't even bother to post about HMD, it only becomes relevant to him when it's used as a topic to attack Islam. He is using holocaust remembrance as a tool for his own ends. That's about as sick as you can get.
This is a logically inconsistent. Defending the removal of an event cannot equate indifference to it. I agree with you, LGF does attack the values that MCB holds in changing what HMD means. Something that you yourself agree with.
4. There is no evidence of MCB involvement in this instance, there was no mention of Palestine except for the articles quote from the MCB's goals. So you see the Palestine angle is one of the articles creation not of Bolton Council or Bolton Interfaith Council.
Again, You feel the MCB had no influence in this change, I believe it does (as does Louis Rapaport)
"I can't help feeling the decision was influenced by Bolton's large Muslim community."
-Louis Rapaport
However, we can both agree that what Bolton did is exactly what the MCB wants for the UK at large, not to mention the world.
So let me throw you a bone, say the MCB had no influence at all in terms of what Bolton did...fine. That still does not change the fact that Bolton just agreed to do exactly what the MCB demands of all UK.
5. It's not 90% of Bolton's community though is it. This is an online poll that has been linked to by various international websites and is read by a number of people from outside of the Bolton area. It's not representative of views of Boltonians at all.
I agree that 90% of bolton is not Muslim - so your point is fair enough, but irrelevant since we both agree that HMD should not be changed.
1. In their own words? That's the words of the local newspaper, not the Council or the Interfaith council.
2. You're moving the goalposts. You quoted Charles. Charles claimed that Bolton Council had bowed to the "vile demands of the MCB". That was a lie.
3. The MCB are not the Muslim community. Louis Rappaport states he believes the latter were involved in the decision not the MCB. So again you argument fails and a basic reading comprehension level.
4. No need to throw me a bone, you've quoted an innaccurate LGF post, failed to join the dots to the MCB and misread Louis Rappaports statement.
5. It is not 'logically inconsistent'. One cannot bitch about a councils change of emphasis with regards HMD if one is not commemorating or bothering to post about the event itself without coming across as a tad hypocritical.
6. My point with the poll was that these online polls are inconsistent, innaccurate and generally the sample of respondents is wildly hit and miss. Anyone who uses an online poll to back up an argument needs to take care.
1. In their own words? That's the words of the local newspaper, not the Council or the Interfaith council.
It's sad that you don't have the intellectual honesty to acknowledge that the holiday has been scrapped.
Since you give no credit to the local newspaper - how about Cliff Morris, LEADER of Bolton City Council itself?
"...refused to say who made the final decision to CANCEL the ceremony."
Source: Bolton Evening news
http://www.boltoneveningnews.co.uk/display.var.1152040.0.fury_as_council_axes_holocaust_memorial_service.php
...please quit digging a deeper hole then the one you're already in.
2. You're moving the goalposts. You quoted Charles. Charles claimed that Bolton Council had bowed to the "vile demands of the MCB". That was a lie.
Are you claiming that the MCB does not demand all of UK society to abandone HMD? Yes, I have already acknowledged that I don't see the HMD directly contacting Bolton - but to say that Bolton did not do EXACTLY what HMD demands of all of UK society is entirely false.
3. The MCB are not the Muslim community. Louis Rappaport states he believes the latter were involved in the decision not the MCB. So again you argument fails and a basic reading comprehension level.
I know, you reject common sense and believe the MCB has no influence on the Muslim Community, I believe the latter - I'm happy to leave it at that.
4. No need to throw me a bone, you've quoted an innaccurate LGF post, failed to join the dots to the MCB and misread Louis Rappaports statement.
Right, the MCB and the Muslim community have no relationship and the MCB has no influence on Muslims (do you see why conservatives view liberals as foolish?)
5. It is not 'logically inconsistent'. One cannot bitch about a councils change of emphasis with regards HMD if one is not commemorating or bothering to post about the event itself without coming across as a tad hypocritical.
What? Your thesis is that LGF does not care about the holocaust. Your proof was that they only posted something about it when somebody tried to scrap a commeration of it. You still do not see the logical foolishness of your claim?
For example, if I post a comment saying somebody wants to destroy Christmas - that means I don't care about Christmas? For crying out loud!
6. My point with the poll was that these online polls are inconsistent, innaccurate and generally the sample of respondents is wildly hit and miss. Anyone who uses an online poll to back up an argument needs to take care.
I already addressed this, I said - I would ignore the poll and that it was irrelevent since we both disagree with it, that we both disagree with the MCB, that we both disagree with Bolton city council.
What we don't agree on is the following
1) Was what Bolton did influenced by the MCB?
2) That HMD scrapped.
3) That LGF does not care about the holocaust.
It's sad that you don't have the intellectual honesty to acknowledge that the holiday has been scrapped.
Since you give no credit to the local newspaper - how about Cliff Morris, LEADER of Bolton City Council itself?
"...refused to say who made the final decision to CANCEL the ceremony."
Source: Bolton Evening news
http://www.boltoneveningnews.co.uk/display.var.1152040.0.fury_as_council_axes_holocaust_memorial_service.php
...please quit digging a deeper hole then the one you're already in.
First you claim they banned it, then scrapped it, now finally you quote the council correctly and you accuse me of digging a hole. Stop playing semantics. The original article by Chuckles stated that the event had been banned because of pressure from the MCB. That is not true.
Are you claiming that the MCB does not demand all of UK society to abandone HMD? Yes, I have already acknowledged that I don't see the HMD directly contacting Bolton - but to say that Bolton did not do EXACTLY what HMD demands of all of UK society is entirely false.
No that's not what I'm claiming, that's what the strawman your building is saying. I never once claimed that the MCB don't make demands or campaign for their version of HMD. Be honest here. Charles claimed that the MCB issued viled demands on Bolton Council and forced ban HMD. Is that the truth or is it false?
I know, you reject common sense and believe the MCB has no influence on the Muslim Community, I believe the latter - I'm happy to leave it at that.
Again, not what I said. Louis Rappaport claimed that the Muslim Community had a hand in the decision. He did not name the MCB. So to use his quote as evidence of the hand of the MCB in the decision is dishonest.
What? Your thesis is that LGF does not care about the holocaust.
Again, nice strawman. My point was that it is strange that Charles, a person outraged at Bolton Council's decision to re-dedicate HMD, didn't see fit to advertise the event, post about it, mention it etc etc.....except for the posts accusing the MCB of making vile demands on Bolton Council.
For example, if I post a comment saying somebody wants to destroy Christmas - that means I don't care about Christmas? For crying out loud!
Again, you're using a strawman for your argument. I didn't say that Charles doesn't care about the holocaust I simply said that his care seems to be on a sliding scale. I just noted it was a little strange that someone who is so outraged at people 'boycotting' HMD doesn't actually do anything for it himself. So your example above falls apart.
Right, the MCB and the Muslim community have no relationship and the MCB has no influence on Muslims
Another strawman (this must be a record). I didn't say they didn't have a relationship. My point was that in this case the MCB link to Bolton Council's decision is non-existent. You used Louis Rappaports quote to prove the link, despite him not mentioning the MCB.
1) Was what Bolton did influenced by the MCB?
You've not provided any evidence to support it.
2) That HMD scrapped.
We could argue for hours, but as it is to be replaced by a general 'Genocide Day' I'd say re-dedicated or re-organised.
3) That LGF does not care about the holocaust
One more strawman to finish eh? Where did I say that? I said that Charles outrage over Bolton Council's decision is a tad hypocritical as he neither posted or mentioned HMD apart from his posts about Bolton. If he cared as much as the indignation felt in his negative posts then perhaps a post about the event may have been a good idea.
PS One more post to reply to my last post please. I hardly think an on-going argument is the best type of comment thread for a post dedicated to the Holocaust.
I'll lay it out again. - Not in a attempt to convince you, but to just highlight were we disagree, and I would be more then happy to leave our disagreement here.
1) Was what Bolton did influenced by the MCB?
2) That HMD scrapped.
3) That LGF does not care about the holocaust.
1) You believe Bolton was not influenced by Muslim sentiments (specifically the MCB) in their decision. I believe it does.
2) You believe HMD has not been eliminated - I believe it has.
3) You believe LGF does not care about the holocaust - I believe they do.
Is this a fair assessment where we can both agree on our disagreements?
Not really. Point one and two are fine, we disagree...no great shocks there. However point three is completely wrong, you're saying that I believe that LGF doesn't care about the holocaust. That's simply not the case. But in the interests of drawing a line under this let's leave it there.
I appreciate our dialouge.
Cheers and Shalom
Post a Comment