The story of a great rescue effort to bring thousands of Jewish children to Britian during the Second World War will be told at a commemorative event.
Durham County Council is marking Holocaust Memorial Day with a free event at The Empire Theatre in Consett, on Monday 27 January.
The annual awareness day remembers the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of people killed in the Nazi Persecution, as well as the subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Dafur.
This year’s event will explore the extraordinary story of the Kindertransport, a rescue effort which brought thousands of mostly Jewish refugee children to Britain during the Second World War.
Guest speaker Brenda Dinsdale, honorary life president of Newcastle Reform Synagogue, will examine the stories of those who travelled and sought refuge in the North East of England.
This includes the story of a home in Tynemouth which was turned into a safe house for more than 20 girls fleeing to the UK, the history of which was only discovered by the current owners of the home.
The oral histories of three of the girls who lived there were uncovered by the BBC podcast, The Girls: The Holocaust Safe House, and will be shared by Brenda at the event.
The event will also feature talks from local speakers, as well as performances from North Durham Academy and Villa Real schools.
“This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. It’s more important than ever that we seek to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own – it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism, and hatred are not checked and prevented.
“This year’s theme is ‘For a Better Future’ and is an opportunity for us to commit to making a better future by seeking to eradicate discrimination and rejecting hate crime, or the incitement of hate crime, and prejudice across County Durham.
“We hope our event brings together our diverse communities in reflection and, through the stories told, shows how we can make a difference when we support each other and w
Cllr Alan Shield, Cabinet member for equality and inclusion
Places for the event can be booked at www.empireconsett.co.uk/galapost/holocaust-memorial-day
For further information about Holocaust Memorial Day visit www.durham.gov.uk/HMD
