Robinson And McGuinness Host Holocaust Event

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy Martin McGuinness have hosted the 11th regional Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration.

The theme of this year's event is "Speak Up, Speak Out" and will mark the 67th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp.

Speaking at the event the First Minister said: "Violence and murder is a consequence of hatred and prejudice. That is why we must all speak up and speak out against these attitudes at the earliest possible opportunity.

"As we move forward together building the new Northern Ireland, we must ensure we foster a spirit of tolerance, respect and a commitment to protecting human dignity. Achieving improved community relations and creating a truly shared future is at the very heart of our work in government."

The deputy First Minister said: "Words are powerful. With them we can heal or we can harm. Holocaust Memorial Day 2012 asks us to Speak Up, Speak Out and to carefully consider the way we use language in person, on- line or when speaking about other people.

"I hope that this commemoration can inspire people, especially young people, to understand that they can make a difference, that one person can make a difference and that it serves as an impetus for us all to work together for a better future."

Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman W J Webb, JP said: "I would like to commend both the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and also the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust for continuing to run this annual event which serves as a stark reminder to all of us of the evils of discrimination and prejudice if left unchecked.

"Tonight is a reminder to us all to continue to stand firm against discrimination."

Attending the event were members of the local Jewish community and representatives from a range of faith communities, ethnic minority and other groups.

Holocaust Memorial Day was initiated in 2000 to remember the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and to raise awareness and understanding of the events of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides as a continuing issue for all humanity. The date, 27 January, was chosen as it was the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.

(GK)