Holocaust Memorial Day will once again be recognised with the lighting up of County Hall in Haverfordwest on Friday, January 27.

Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and remembers the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and everyone killed in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Ordinary People’ and focuses on the role they have in genocide, from turning a blind eye, believing propaganda, and joining murderous regimes.

Those persecuted are also ordinary people belonging to a particular group, as are those that make brave decisions to rescue, to hide or to stand up and challenge prejudice.

As part of the Light the Darkness theme to Holocaust Memorial Day County Hall will join other prominent buildings across the UK by being lit in purple.

Council Chairman Cllr Pat Davies said:

“We are aware that this day may have even greater significance this year for those from Ukraine who have fled war, and those that want to mark The Babi Yar massacre, which devastated the Jewish community of Kiev on September 29, 1941.

“Lighting County Hall in the Holocaust Memorial Day colour of purple will serve as both a mark of respect and a symbol of hope for the future.”

Council Leader Cllr David Simpson added: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a day to remember the horror that man has inflicted, and continues to inflict on fellow man, as well as an important chance to reflect on how light can come from the darkness.”

A special service to mark the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz is also taking place that night at Westgate Evangelical Chapel, Pembroke, at 7.30pm.

The Western Telegraph has previously joined pupils from Pembrokeshire in visiting Auschwitz, as part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz project.

Pupils’ experiences of their harrowing visit may be seen here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

We passionately believe in the value of good, trusted journalism. If you share that belief, you can experience the benefits of unlimited advert-light news access from journalists you know and trust on your favourite devices - subscribe today HERE.

With a digital subscription you will experience up to 80% less advertising, this means faster loading pages and ultimately a much better user experience. You can also sign up for our free daily newsletters HERE.

-----------------------------------------------------------------