Young people from Neath Port Talbot will be joining civic dignitaries at a holocaust memorial day event next Tuesday (1st February).
A concert, organised by Neath Port Talbot Council, is being held at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot when primary and secondary schools from across the county borough will come together to promote the message that discrimination has no place in today’s world.
Schools will be telling stories, singing and giving readings to promote the message that prejudice, discrimination and racism is condemned and a free, tolerant and democratic society is valued.
Also taking part is the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Lella James, Council Leader Ali Thomas, Chief Executive Steve Phillips and Cabinet Member for Education, John Rogers
The concert is part of a series of events throughout the UK to commemorate the liberation of World War Two death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau (27th January) as well as the tragic loss of life in the genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.
This year’s theme is ‘Untold Stories’ from the holocaust and subsequent genocides. Sharing individual stories from the past will help to make the future safer and more inclusive.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, said, “Neath Port Talbot is proud to be part of an international remembrance day for the victims of the holocaust.
“Genocide is a poignant reminder of what can happen when discrimination and hatred is left unchecked.
“It is important to learn lessons from the past so pupils are being encouraged to commemorate victims, honour survivors and tackle prejudice, discrimination and racism in today’s society.
“We want to be part of the message to encourage nations to conquer genocide and atrocity and individuals to stand up against hatred.”
Chair of SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education) and Cabinet Member for Education, John Rogers, added, “We are looking forward to our local community coming together to remember victims of the Holocaust and those whose lives have been affected by exclusion and hatred in subsequent genocides.
“It’s vital that we listen to the survivors’ told and ‘untold stories’, consider the lessons and use them to work together to create a society which is free from discrimination and hatred.”
Carly Whyborn, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said, “Last year, thousands of people across the UK came together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and pledged to become part of the Legacy of Hope.
“In 2011, people in Neath Port Talbot have an opportunity to turn this pledge into a reality by seeking out those told and ‘untold stories’. This action will ensure that we can better understand the past and, importantly, use the lessons learnt as an inspiration for our behaviour.”
The memorial concert will be held on Tuesday 1st February 2011 7pm at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot. Entry is free. All members of the local community are invited to join the commemoration.
