asildon Council will commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day by hosting a special service in the Eastgate Centre.
Leslie Kleinman, a survivor of Auschwitz and two death marches to Oranienburg and Dachau who was liberated by American soldiers in 1944, will share his experience before hosting a question and answer session.
The event, taking place from 1pm on Thursday 24 January, will also feature an introduction by Jack De Metz from the Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation and live performances from the Basildon and Rayleigh Big Sing Choirs alongside local schoolchildren.
Mayor of Basildon, Cllr David Dadds JP, will officially open a Book of Remembrance during the service.
Holocaust Memorial Day is commemorated internationally to mark the date of the liberation of Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The theme for 2019, Torn From Home, encourages people to reflect on the trauma faced by anyone experiencing persecution and genocide.
Cllr Dadds said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a chance to reflect on the horrors of the Holocaust, remembering the six million Jews murdered and to think about and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition as a result. We take the opportunity to learn more and reflect on the past and to take steps and actions to create a safer future for us all.
“Home is usually a place of safety, comfort and security so it is impossible to comprehend the pain of being driven out because of persecution. That is why it is so important that we take this opportunity to unite in support of diversity, equality and inclusivity.
“I hope that residents will show their support and join us in sending out a clear message that hatred, discrimination and exclusion is not tolerated.”
On Friday 25 January, a one minute silence will be observed in the Basildon Centre at 11am. The Book of Remembrance will also be available for members of the public to sign.
