Holocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
We at UNISON Loughborough have been working in conjunction with Loughborough University to create some events to memorialise the week.
The theme for this years Holocaust Memorial Day is “Stand Together”. It explores how genocidal regimes throughout history have deliberately fractured societies by marginalising certain groups, and how these tactics can be challenged by individuals standing together with their neighbours, and speaking out against oppression.
Don’t be content in your life just to do no wrong, be prepared every day to try and do some good.
– Sir Nicholas Winton, who rescued 669 children from Nazi-occupied Europe
Please see our list of events below, bookable through eventbright.
Holocaust Survivor Testimony and Memorial Service
Date/Time: 27 January 2020 11am – 2pm
On Monday, we commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Live Holocaust Survivor Testimony will allow attendants to watch and listen to a Holocaust Survivor share their testimony live. After the testimony, we shall have a memorial service in the Students Union, led by Jan Sutton and Chris Taylor. Refreshments will be provided afterwards, allowing attendants to share their reflections about the day.
Book here
Lessons from Auschwitz presentation and Candle Service
Date/Time: 28 January 2020 12pm-2.30pm
What is the real meaning of the word Holocaust? Were all perpetrators evil? Is the figure of 6,500,000 significant? The presentation delivered by Alejandro Arguelles Bullon (Regional Ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust) will explore in detail six fundamental questions that will allow attendants to deeply understand the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance. A candle memorial service will follow the presentation at one of the most emblematic locations of the University – the fountain outside the Hazlerigg and Rutland Buildings.
Book here
Holocaust Memorial Week: A workshop by Amanda Harrington
Date/Time: 29 January 2020 12.30pm-1.30pm
The holocaust that took place during the Second World War did not start overnight. The concentration and extermination camps did not suddenly appear without any warning. The systematic murder of two-thirds of Europe’s Jewish population was preceded by many warning signs. This is a facilitated session. After a brief talk, we will all have the opportunity to think and talk.
Book here
Holocaust Memorial Week: Sculpture workshop and exhibition
Date/Time: 29 January 2020 10am-4pm
Through the medium of sculpture, inspired by artist and Holocaust survivor Maurice Blik, we will explore the role of individuals in society, and the impact a single person can have on history.
Book here
National Holocaust Centre and Museum Day Trip
Date/Time: 30 January 2020 9am-4pm
Step back in time to Nazi Germany and be immersed in a history that will challenge, engage and inspire. A coach will leave the University at 9am with an expected time of arrival at 10am. Please bring your own lunch or you can buy lunch at the museum. We will leave the museum at 3pm to arrive back at the University for approximately 4pm. There are only 50 places available so please ensure you book your place as soon as possible.
Book here
Holocaust Memorial Week: Public Lecture by Paul Maddrell
Date/Time: 31 January 2020 12pm-1pm
This lecture examines the major steps in the sequence of events which led to the Holocaust and shows that, in each and every case, they were preventable. The lesson of this terrible event in history is that we must all be aware of the dangers inherent in racial hatred and we must all do everything we can to prevent genocide.
Book here
Public Seminar: Antisemitism and misogyny online – Cristian Tileaga
Date/Time: 5 February 2020 2pm-4pm
In this paper I address the various intersections between antisemitism and online misogyny against women active in public life. In the context of a profound coarsening of political debate in Britain and elsewhere, female Jewish MPs who are active in public life come regularly up against a barrage of abuse and intimidation online.
Book here
