A NUMBER of events took place in Gwent across the weekend to remember the victims of genocide as part of Holocaust Memorial Day.
Holocaust Memorial Day is marked annually on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Since 2001 the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has been campaigning to commemorate the date and remember subsequent genocides committed across the world.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda and the 40th anniversary of the end of the genocide in Cambodia.
Noddfa Church in Abersychan was one of the places to hold a remembrance service.
The church held a special service of remembrance for all the victims of the Holocaust on Sunday, featuring special guest speakers from the Traveller, Roma and Gypsy community.
Pastor John Funnell said: “We gathered to remember those who suffered and died during the Holocaust, but the service was not a solemn affair, it was a celebration of the victory we have over evil in Jesus Christ.
“The message of the Bible is timeless and teaches us even today that you can have light in the darkness, hope in trial and peace amidst the chaos of life.
"I'd like to thank West Monmouth School for their exhibition, Garnteg school choir, shining stars choir, Lynne Robinson from Traveller Education, our MP Nick Thomas-Symonds and Councillor Giles Davies for their contributions to the service."
The gates at the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. Picture: Dave Thompson/PA Wire.
On Thursday, Chepstow Community Hub held a remembrance service featuring presentations from pupils from Chepstow School and local refugee support charity iNEED, as well as film clips, readings and the lighting of candles.
Horeb Baptist Church in Blaenavon, Torfaen Schools, and Torfaen County Borough Council held a service on Friday to remember those who died.
The service focused on what lessons could be learnt from the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides and how to apply these to our lives in the present day to create a safer, better future.
In Caerphilly, the Newbridge Memo have housed a display in the Institute Foyer on this year's theme 'Torn From Home'.
The display includes life stories, booklets and postcards to take away.
The display is open to the public between 9am and 5pm, and remains on show until Friday, February 1.
Newport City Council is hosting the annual Holocaust Memorial Day service in Newport Cathedral at 11am on Monday, January 28.
Newport school pupils will take a leading part in the service with Llanwern High’s choir performing a number of songs and students from Bassaleg and Caerleon doing readings and prayers. Children from Ringland Primary School will be involved in the candle procession while Gwent Music Brass Ensemble play.
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