Remembering horrors of the Holocaust

AS part of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s commitment to remembering the Holocaust and challenging prejudice and hatred in all its forms, a special Holocaust Memorial event was held this week.

Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick, opened the event at Monkstown Jubilee Centre and welcomed guests who included United States Consulate Representative, Dr Paul Roelle and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, Mr Grzegorz Sala.

The Mayor reflected on the importance of remembering the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the victims of subsequent genocides across the world.

Guests heard further poignant messages through a reflection from Melvyn Goldberger. His father Otto, originally from Vienna, survived the Holocaust after escaping from a Nazi transit camp in Austria.

Artwork made by primary school pupils, and unique historical exhibits were on display at the event, embedding the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, ‘Bridging Generations’.

Readings and recorded testimonies, highlighted the human cost of hatred and discrimination and reinforced the responsibility we all share to stand against intolerance in society today.

Holocaust Memorial Day is held across the world each year on 27 January.

The Mayor said it was an opportunity to take action for a better future - a future where people are not subjected to prejudice or persecution because of their faith, ethnicity or any other characteristic.

“Holocaust Memorial Day is a time for reflection, remembrance and learning,” she said.

“By coming together as a community, we honour the memory of the victims and reaffirm our commitment to challenge hatred and discriminatioan wherever it exists.

“We must continue to educate future generations and work collectively towards a more respectful, inclusive and compassionate society.”

More information on Holocaust Memorial Day can be found on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website at www.hmd.org.uk