The Civic Centre in Motherwell will be illuminated purple today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

Holocaust Memorial Day is marked each year on January 27 to remember the six million Jewish people killed during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people who have fallen victim of Holocausts in other parts of the world including Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda.

It is held on January 27 each year because it marks the anniversary of liberation of the largest Nazi-run death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.

This year the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘Be the light in the darkness’, reflecting both the horror of what occurred – but also the bravery and resistance of so many who resisted this darkness. As part of this year’s special events, the Holocaust Memorial Trust has also put together a campaign to encourage remembrance by lighting a candle in the window.

Provost Jean Jones said: “Today is such an important occasion as we remember the terrible human cost of Holocaust. It is vital these harrowing tragedies are never forgotten and we must try to prevent future genocides and create a better safer future for everyone.”

To find out more about the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust visit: www.hmd.org.uk/uk-holocaust-memorial-day-2021-ceremony