I was pleased to attend a packed Civic Centre tonight to support Holocaust Memorial Day and to hear speakers, ranging from the Ann Frank Trust to Owen Muganda speak about the legacy of hope in Zimbabwe. The event was excellently organised by Reading Council for Racial Equality and it was uplifting to see so many people from various countries and religions, young and old, male and female reflecting on the holocaust of World War Two and other genocides that have taken place since 1945, including Rwanda, Bosnia, Cambodia and the Darfur. Whilst it was uplifting to reflect with others, it is still depressing to think about the widespread suffering that has been inflicted on minority races, religions and beliefs by others.
I agreed totally with the speakers, including councillor Bet Tickner that it is not religion or nationality that causes wars and pogroms but it is the pursuit of power, influence, resources and particularly money that acts as a pretext for genocide and war.
The suggestion that schools show the An Frank exhibition is a good one that as Lead Councillor for Children I will investigate further. It is important for young people to be able to see the exhibition and understand history and events behind the Holocaust.
The Ann Frank Exhibition is being shown in the Broad Street Mall from Monday 25 January to Friday 29th January.
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