Holocaust To Be Remembered in Redditch

Residents are invited to join the Mayor of Redditch Borough Council, Cllr Joanna Kane, later this month for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Service.

Holocaust Memorial Day, officially observed on the 27^th January, is held annually as a day for people around the world to remember the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

This year up and down the country the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is, 'Bridging Generations'. A reminder that the responsibility of remembrance doesn't end with the survivors, it lives on through their children, their grandchildren and all those committed to ensuring such atrocities are never forgotten.

Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Cllr Sharon Harvey, said: “As we observe this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme of ‘Bridging Generations’ it is vital for our community to pause and reflect on the profound suffering caused by the Holocaust. By acknowledging this tragic history, we can better understand the ongoing injustices faced by many around the world today.”

“We invite all residents to join us in this crucial moment of reflection, honouring those who have endured pain and suffering due to dehumanisation and hate. Let us strive for a world filled with peace, love, and respect, united as one humanity, without divisions.”

There will be two separate events taking place commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day in Redditch on Saturday 24^th January.

The first will be an Outdoor Commemoration Service and will take place at the Redditch Holocaust Memorial Marker, at 10:30am until 11am. The event is open to all.

Following this, a ticketed indoor event will take place at the Ecumenical Centre from 11am, where attendees will have the opportunity to hear first-hand testimony from Leija Golos, a survivor of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Leija will share her experiences during and after the war.

To manage numbers, tickets are required to attend the event from 11am and due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed this is a strictly 16+ event. Tickets are free and can be acquired here: Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2026.

Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Committee, Cllr. Bill Hartnett, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the horrors of the past, remembering all those who lost their lives in the atrocities of the Holocaust and genocides around the world. Our speaker this year is Lejla Golos a survivor from the war in Bosnia & Herzegovina 31 years ago. It is our goal, through these events, that everyone in our communities feel their history is remembered and everyone has a chance to reflect meaningfully on this important day of commemoration. " 

For more on this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme go to www.hmd.org.uk.