Holocaust Memorial Day

Coventry is to be the host city for next year's Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 2009 which will be based around the them 'Stand Up To Hatred'. The day will explore the impact hate has on society and what people can do to combat it.

According to Ken Taylor, leader of Coventry Council, the city is known for "working to promote peace and reconciliation both nationally and locally".

In a statement, Talyor added: "We’re proud of the way that our different communities live alongside each other and we recognise the value that diversity brings to our city. The 2009 theme is one that we will work hard to develop so that we create a memorable and thought provoking Holocaust Memorial Day. Understanding between different communities is critical if we want to avoid the kind of hatred that led to the genocide in Nazi Germany and in other countries around the world."

Stephen Smith, chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust commented: "This year’s theme is ‘Stand up to hatred’. Coventry’s commitment to developing links between its communities makes it an ideal partner with which to launch the 2009 theme."