Holocaust Day speakers ready to focus on hope

A SURVIVOR from a concentration camp and two people whose sons were murdered for being black and gay will talk about their experiences as Calderdale marks Holocaust Memorial Day.

A week of events is themed around the Legacy of Hope. The commemorative event will be at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, on January 27, starting at 5.30pm.

It will be preceded by a Peace, Hope and Light event at the Piece Hall, with a candlelit procession leaving from the Westgate entrance at 5pm and ending at the Victoria Theatre.

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The evening will include talks by Holocaust survivors, poems, drama and music. Speakers will talk about their hopes following tragedies or hate crimes against them.

They include Sheri Dobrowski, whose son Jody was murdered for being gay, Gee Walker whose son Anthony was murdered for being black, Lillian Black, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and Michael Shamash, the chairman of the Restricted Growth Association. Holocaust survivor Iby Knill will also share her experiences.

The procession will assemble in the Piece Hall at 4.15pm. Entry to the Victoria Theatre event is by ticket only, and advance booking is recommended by calling the Box Office on 01422 351158. Tickets are free.

A host of other events will take place around the borough during the week including talks and exhibitions, film screenings, creative writing and art competitions, music and sports events including a Festival of Disability Sport.

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There will be a World Music Festival at the Victoria Theatre and a Jewish cultural evening in Todmorden. Calderdale will also link to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust's Candle of Hope, where people can light a virtual candle in memory of those who have died in the Holocaust and genocides around the world.

Coun Ian Cooper, the Council's Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger communities, said: "The week of events taking place in Calderdale for Holocaust Memorial Day is one of the largest nationwide.

"This is an opportunity to hear the experiences of the past and take away a message of hope for a safer and more inclusive society, where everyone's differences are respected and celebrated."

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust chief executive Carly Whyborn said: "Calderdale have again created a programme of inspiringly diverse and inclusive events that demonstrate the true spirit of Holocaust Memorial Day.

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"It is fantastic to see such a wide range of opportunities, for people from all backgrounds, to come together and seek solidarity with those persecuted and to listen to the lessons of the past."

Full details of all events can be found by logging on to www.calderdale.gov.uk