The City of Aberdeen came together today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Tommy Campbell, a member of Aberdeen Holocaust Commemoration Committee, welcomed guests and members of the public.
Through a programme of music and readings, the city remembered the six million Jews and other groups murdered under Nazi persecution, and more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Aberdeen’s Lord Provost Dr David Cameron led the gathering in a moment of reflection.
He said: “We commemorate the Holocaust Memorial Day to remind ourselves that the people seeking to come to the UK today are human beings, many of whom are fleeing from genocide, conflict and persecution.
“Genocide, antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to condemn and fight these evils so that we can continue to build a free, respectful and democratic society.
“It is through such events as today that we try make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect on the consequences.”
The programme included a performance by Tutu’s Senior Dance Group and a presentation from local school pupils.
Holocaust Memorial Day is held annually across the world on the date that marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.
Holocaust Memorial Day in Aberdeen is supported by Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Holocaust Memorial Committee, Aberdeen Interfaith Group, Aberdeen Synagogue, Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Four Pillars, Grampian Regional Equality Council, Polish Association Aberdeen, UNITE the union and the University of Aberdeen.
Photograph: Lord Provost Dr David Cameron holding the Holocaust Memorial candle watched by organisor Tommy Campbell (L), and HMD committee members Deejay Bullock and Patricia Findlay