Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner is standing in solidarity with the Jewish community to remember those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

Tony Lloyd will join Greater Manchester’s Jewish community at a commemoration event to mark Yom HaShoah, a day of remembrance for the millions who suffered and were murdered during one of the darkest moment in human history.

Tony said: “The Holocaust must never be forgotten, as a mark of respect for the six million Jews and the millions from other persecuted groups who were murdered and those who survived its horrors – but to also ensure it is never repeated.

“As one of the the darkest moment in our history it should serve as a shocking reminder and stark warning of what happens when we allow extremism, persecution and hatred to infect society. In Greater Manchester, we stand strong against hate in all its forms, bringing communities together to learn, share, promote tolerance and build bridges. The Jewish community plays a vital role in that work and today I stand in solidarity with them.”

Each year Tony lights a Yahrzeit candle, a Jewish memorial candle, in memory of Jacob Wygodzki , a Lithuanian Jewish politician who was tortured and killed in Lukiškės Prison in 1941 when the Nazis occupied Vilnius.

“We must never forget that each of the six million lives lost represents an individual person with their own unique story. That is why I light a candle for Jacob, to remember, of course, his murder but to celebrate his life and his humanity.” adds Tony.

Yom HaShoah is marked in April/May each year, and begins at sunset on Sunday 23 April and lasts till sunset on Monday 24 April.

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