Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January, is the annual event to remember the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups and in the genocides that latterly occurred in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
This day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Since the year 2000, communities across the world come together online or at events to remember and to reflect on the significance of the Holocaust.
We spoke to Monique Choudhuri, Brentford FC Director, to understand a little bit more about Holocaust Memorial Day and the different ways that Brentford fans could get involved.
“The Holocaust is a moment in history which affected so many and it must never be forgotten. Today we pause to remember those who died and we remember the survivors too," she said.
“The entire notion of genocide may seem so distant to many of us but it is a product of what can happen when discrimination, racism and hatred are left unchecked.
“Fans can join in with this year’s remembrance in different ways. Whatever your beliefs, it’s a chance to learn more about what happened during the Holocaust. Some may want to watch the remembrance events online and others may even want to light a candle at 8pm, joining many across the country who will do the same.
“And as we go about our daily lives, here at Brentford we will continue to encourage our people to learn more about different cultures and faiths, to empathise more and to challenge discrimination when they see it.”
For more information on Holocaust Memorial Day visit www.hmd.org.uk.