The memorial day itself is marked annually on 27 January. However, as this year the date falls on a Friday and coincides with the start of Shabbat, or seventh day, the council’s service will take place on Monday 30 January to ensure our Jewish communities are able to attend.  

The service will be led by the Mayor of Royal Greenwich, Councillor Leo Fletcher and Leader of the Council, Councillor Anthony Okereke. 

The service will take place from 11.30am to 12.30pm and will feature performances and readings, as well as bringing faith leaders together for reflective prayers. Refreshments will follow. 

The event is open to all residents, but spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. If you’d like to attend, please email events@royalgreenwich.gov.uk to confirm your place. 

Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to reflect and remember the millions of victims of genocide across the world. 

“In Royal Greenwich, one of our greatest strengths is the rich diversity of our residents. By bringing our communities together for this event each year, we continue to ensure the lessons of the past are not forgotten.  

“This year’s theme is Ordinary People. We are all ordinary people, as were the victims and perpetrators of these genocides. It’s up to each and every one of us to ensure there is no place for racism, hatred and discrimination of any form in our society and that all members of our communities can thrive happily and safely.” 

Holocaust Memorial Day is marked each year on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. It’s a time to remember the millions of lives taken during the Holocaust under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur, as well as those who survived these horrific events. 

Along with its own local event in the Town Hall, the Royal Borough of Greenwich encourages residents to take part in the national initiative to ‘Light the Dark.’ Join people across the country to place a light in your window on Holocaust Memorial Day at 4pm.  

Find out more at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/holocaust-memorial-day.