At the Holocaust event held at the University of Huddersfield, representatives from different faiths are gathering to remember the tragedies of the Holocaust. Through music, readings and prayers, we honour the survivors of the Holocaust, Nazi persecution, and subsequent genocides. We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust, as it is only by learning the lessons from the past that we can build a just, caring and better future. The Holocaust and all genocides remind us of the terrible price others may pay for remaining silent. Let us ensure that the crimes committed against humanity during the Holocaust are never forgotten, particularly by younger generations.
Hate crime is still prevalent in society and we are seeing the reality of hatred in communities and the rise of religious and racial hatred.
As diverse communities, we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts to defeat discrimination and racism by forming stronger community relations, and doing all we can to protect those who may be in danger.
Education should lead to a better understanding of others. May we reflect on our own attitudes to those we consider to be different from us, and to resolve to work towards the elimination of prejudice and discrimination within our communities. We must respect our differences, but being different doesn’t mean we should discriminate.
Our united community partnerships allow us to reflect on our learning from the Holocaust and consider the consequences of standing by when discrimination, bullying and persecution are happening around us. As people of faith, we can lead the way and commit to building relationships of trust and mutual respect, and to meeting with each other as good neighbours.
Let us hold before God all those who are victims of atrocities in the world today, and let us commit ourselves to fighting prejudice wherever we see it. Through the goodness of our deeds and the selflessness of our actions, may we offer healing and comfort to one other. Let us join our hands to strengthen our resolve to eliminate hatred in all its forms. We value a free, tolerant, and democratic society; let's make a stand against hatred.
