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Coventry to Host HMD 2009

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Coventry is planning to create an inspiring and thought provoking focus after being chosen today as the host city for the 2009 Holocaust Memorial Day national commemorative event.

Coventry successfully bid to hold the event based on its creative ideas and reputation for building a vibrant multicultural community. As well as remembering the victims of Nazi persecution and other genocides, Holocaust Memorial Day provides a platform to highlight the extreme consequences of hatred for our society and communities.

Stephen Smith, Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust said: “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. The work of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust will throughout the year focus on encouraging people to use their voice to stand up to hatred, culminating in the national event next January in Coventry.”

Event organisers in Coventry are currently developing ideas around the national theme that will challenge people and encourage them not to tolerate what can become a corrosive force, able to ruin lives, wreck co-operation, destroy communities, races and even nations.

Councilor Ken Taylor, Leader of Coventry City Council said: “Since the Second World War the people of Coventry have been internationally known for working to promote peace and reconciliation both nationally and locally.

“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.”

Coventry has a talented group of professionals and community groups who will be working not only on the commemoration event itself but also schools programmes and exhibitions.

In addition to holding local Holocaust Memorial Day event each year the city has also held its own Coventry Peace Month each year since 2003.

For further information call:
Coventry City Council: Chris Boyce 024 7683 1089
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust: Lauren Hamburger 020 7299 8756

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