People of all ethnicities will be joining Merton Council for a Holocaust Memorial Day Service on Sunday 25 January.

The service at Madeira Hall, in Madeira Road, Mitcham, will follow the theme ‘Stand up to hatred’. During the event Jean Louis Mazimpaka – who survived the Rwandan genocide – and a Jewish Holocaust survivor will be sharing some of their experiences. Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild will also be giving a reading emphasising the importance of speaking out against hatred, intolerance, discrimination and prejudice.

Afterwards everyone is invited to join in the planting of the Peace Rose – first grown in 1945 to commemorate the end of the Second World War – in Merton’s new Peace Garden. Other events organised by the council include a screening of the critically acclaimed Hotel Rwanda, about the Rwandan genocide, on Thursday 29 January at the civic centre, starting at 6.30pm.

Merton Mayor Councillor Martin Whelton said: “Holocaust Memorial Day not only remembers all the victims of the Nazi regime but also all those who have died in more recent genocides in Rwanda and Bosnia as well as the current atrocities taking place in Darfur.

“It is vital we remember the terrible events that have taken place in the past so that we ensure we learn important lessons for the future. Here in Merton we are working together to eradicate hatred, prejudice and discrimination in the borough.”

To find out more about what is happening to commemorate the Holocaust in Merton contact the Stronger Communities Team on 0208 545 3156 or visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/leisure/events/holocaustmemorialday.htm

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