Holocaust Memorial Day Event

On Holocaust Memorial Day, we come together to remember and learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. This year, we reflect on the fact that each of these genocides was perpetrated by ordinary people against ordinary people. Through a memorial service and exhibition, we explore the choices made by those who committed these terrible crimes, those who let it happen and those who were persecuted. By learning about these events, we will consider how ordinary people, such as ourselves, can perhaps play a bigger part than we might imagine in challenging prejudice today. At Staffordshire University we continue to support those people facing persecution and genocide historically and today; and provide an opportunity for students, staff and the wider community to come together to consider on the impact of the Holocaust on individuals and communities. This year, we will hold a memorial service honouring the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides. The programme will include an opening address by our University Chaplain Revd. Mick Williams reflecting on this year’s theme and a talk by Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls who will discuss how recent visit to Poland with a Holocaust survivor illustrated the various ways ordinary people were, and continue to be, affected by the Nazis’ crimes. Professor Sturdy Colls and Associate Professor Michael Branthwaite will also officially open their exhibition “Supply/Request” which examines the choices made by perpetrators of the Holocaust when they built Treblinka extermination camp. A tour of the exhibition will follow.