Standing together against hatred

Quakers across Britain are commemorating #HolocaustMemorialDay.

lighted lanterns alongside invitation to remember
Photo: Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution, and the later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Marigold Bentley, head of Peace Programmes and Faith Relations for Quakers in Britain and Oliver Robertson, head of Witness and Worship for Quakers in Britain attended a national event in central London. . The ceremony remembered the mass murder of Jews and the murderous impact of racial and biological policies on the disabled, Sinti and Roma, on black people, homosexuals, Slavs and more.

Marigold Bentley reflected, “At times when divisions in society are prominent, it is both vital and hopeful to recall our shared values and our shared humanity. Events such as Holocaust Memorial Day remind us that we stand united against grotesque hatred and cruelty."

She said, “Standing together to remember the Holocaust is an act of solidarity and friendship. It is important for those of us who have not been directly affected by such atrocities to use our voice and actions to support those who have.

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Events such as Holocaust Memorial Day remind us that we stand united against grotesque hatred and cruelty.

- Marigold Bentley for Quakers in Britain

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“Quakers felt it was especially important to participate this year because it is not only 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz but also 25 years since the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Quakers were involved for many years in providing practical help and building peace in both these contexts, so it was important to remember what we are working against in order not to repeat them.

“Our calling is to ensure that cruelty and inhumanity is prevented, and that suffering is relieved. Remembering the past in a way which acknowledges the danger to humanity when we collectively fail to treat each other equally and without violence is important. It is our shared humanity and compassion which draws us to stand alongside others in solemn remembrance. In doing so, we recommit to prevention of cruelty and violence, and to all the important work which Quakers do today, to make for a better tomorrow."

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