York Minster Holocaust Memorial Commemoration

The act of commemoration was part of a week-long programme of events in York to mark international Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on the 27 January each year.

The date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp – the largest Nazi death camp – in 1945.

The event at York Minster will began with a Choral Evensong service which was attended by representatives from York’s Jewish community and other faith communities.

The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Canon Chancellor at York Minster, said: “This commemoration allows people from across York and beyond to come together to remember and reflect on the horrific events of the Holocaust, genocides and persecutions on a worldwide scale.

“Hearing the words of people who experienced this unimaginable cruelty and depravity helps us to honour and pay tribute to their courage and resilience, while encouraging positive actions to create a safer future.”

Holocaust Memorial Day 2019 will also mark the 25th anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda, which began in April 1994 and the 40th anniversary of the end of the Genocide in Cambodia, which ended in 1979.

Premiers Northern Correspondent Ian Britton went along to York Minster and you can listen to his report by clicking the link below.