Tales of Kindertransport

Nick Winton, whose father Sir Nicholas rescued hundreds of Jewish children from Czechoslovakia before the outbreak of war and found them foster homes in England, is attending the civic ceremony at Leeds Town Hall.

The service this Sunday from 2pm will be hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Judith Chapman, and features music by Clothworkers Consort of Leeds.

There will be a performance of Small Steps by the Northern Ballet Academy which is inspired by discussions with Holocaust survivors.

There will then be traditional candle lighting and reflection in memory of victims of genocides across the world.

This year the ceremony’s theme will be Don’t Stand By, with an emphasis on the people who have resisted oppressive regimes and rescued others from the genocides instigated by them.

Following Winton’s keynote speech in Victoria Hall, there will be a question and answer session about his father’s life and work.

The memorial event will also feature an exhibition by a group of young adults with learning difficulties, which is a response to the Nazi propaganda posters which promoted euthanasia of disabled citizens.

“Holocaust Memorial Day is a chance for people to come together to remember the Holocaust and also subsequent genocides in different parts of the world. The theme of ‘Don’t Stand By’ reminds us that individual actions are so important in challenging hatred and persecution, and ensuring such atrocities do not happen again,” said Coun Chapman.

For more information visit the council website at www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure