The Isle of Man’s annual service of commemoration for the victims of the Holocaust and genocides around the world takes place at St George’s Church in Douglas on Sunday 26 January 2020.
Members of churches and faith organisations, senior members of the government and Tynwald, school children, community groups and members of the public will enjoy a varied service comprising readings, remembrance, prayers, music and song.
The service is organised each year by members of the Island’s Jewish community and is held alongside similar Holocaust Day commemorations throughout the British Isles, reflecting this year on the theme Stand Together. All are welcome at the service, which starts at 3pm.
As in previous years, Chief Minister Howard Quayle, the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man the Right Reverend Peter Eagles and the President of Tynwald Steve Rodan will be among the congregation; Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney will be represented by the Deputy Governor, His Honour First Deemster Andrew Corlett. The proceedings will be led by the Venerable Andrew Brown, Archdeacon of Man and vicar of St George’s, and the service will be narrated by broadcaster Judith Ley.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and it is 25 years since the genocide of Bosnian Muslims. Extracts from the moving personal stories of two young people who suffered persecution at the hands of the Nazis in 1944 and Bosnian Serb forces in 1992, will be read during the service.
In his address, the Chief Minister Howard Quayle will explore the role of the state in defending freedom of speech while protecting citizens from hate speech, and will urge families, educators and the broader community to show tolerance of other people’s religion, culture and lifestyles.
The Chief Minister said:
‘Holocaust Memorial Day is an important occasion for the Isle Man. It brings together young and old, those with a strong religious faith and those with none, people who have grown up knowing about the persecution of communities around the world and those are finding out about them for the first time. It is a unique, collective act of commemoration which can have a profound impact on those who attend.’
He added:
‘The service has at its heart the stories of those who lost their lives and those who survived, as well as rescuers, witnesses and those who resisted. I look forward to an occasion which is as uplifting as it is, in parts, deeply solemn. By continuing to reflect on the causes of the Holocaust and genocide at occasions such as this, we can work towards a better future.’
The deputy Lieutenant Governor will read an extract from Kenneth Clarke’s renowned work Civilisation, in which the author urges mankind to learn from history. A poem will be read by Manx Bard Zoe Cannell, while students from each of the Island’s secondary schools will give a short reading describing the impact of persecution on ordinary people during the Nazi, Bosnia, Rwanda, Darfur and Cambodia genocides.
As well as hymns and the St George’s Church Choir, the musical repertoire will include a quartet performing You Raise Me Up, while soloist Jane Corkill will sing On Eagle’s Wings. The service will conclude with prayers and blessings in English, Manx and Hebrew.
Everyone is welcome to attend on Sunday and to stay for refreshments afterwards.
