Council holds minute’s silence after Storm Chandra cancels Holocaust Day
A Northern Ireland council has held a minute’s silence for people “devastated by genocide” after Storm Chandra caused a Holocaust memorial to be cancelled.
This year marked the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp, where over a million Jews were murdered during WWII. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) had organised a number of events for Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, including education programmes with schools, artistic displays and public talks.
However, at a full council meeting, Mayor Amanda Grehan said: "The events around the Holocaust memorial have been cancelled due to the bad weather.
“To honour all those whose lives have been devastated by genocide, in doing so we stand together in remembrance and reaffirming our shared commitment to uphold dignity, humanity and respect. And to challenge hatred and intolerance in all its forms.
“This year’s theme, bridging generations, highlights the crucial role of the next generation in preserving the memory of the Holocaust. If you would all stand, thank you.”
Storm Chandra wrecked havoc across Northern Ireland early on Tuesday morning January 27 with more than 350 school closing and thousands of residents left without power.
Chairperson of the corporate committee, Councillor Brian Higginson added on the council website: “Lagan Valley Island is illuminated purple to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.
“Each year people from across the UK take part in ‘Light the Darkness’.
“Tonight people across the nation will light candles and put them safely in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were, stand against prejudice and hatred today.”