As we move into 2022 young people in Hitchin invited to get involved with Holocaust Memorial Day.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place internationally every year on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

It's for everyone to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

To help younger generations get involved, and 'never forget', North Herts Council is calling on children aged five to 11 to submit a poster, and young people aged 12 to 18, a piece of creative writing, based on the 2022 theme 'One day'.

The theme can be interpreted in many ways:

You could pick 'One day' in history and learn about that day, how many lives changed and what happened to the people involved?

You could choose the same date in different years and look at what was happening in different countries and different years.

Is there 'One day' when life changed for you, for the worse or better?

Is there 'One day' in the future that you look forward to, or that you think people who have been persecuted in history might have looked forward to, what would they hope for?

You could look at 'One day' in the life of someone less fortunate than you, what would need to change to make them happier?

Councillor Judi Billing, Executive Member for Community Engagement, said: "On Holocaust Memorial Day we have the opportunity to remember those close to our families as well as others who were murdered in the Holocaust and other terrible acts of genocide. And we can also learn from the past – and the present – with real purpose.

"When we look ahead to 'One day with no genocide', what can we each do to make a real difference? This January we can use this theme to motivate us to speak out when we see injustice and prejudice around us.

"We really hope that young people will join us and get involved in these activities which are absolutely focused on encouraging them to respond creatively to deepen their understanding of genocide, and ensure that it forms no part of their future."

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Nub News Hertfordshire regional editor Layth Yousif adds: "As someone who has visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, it is vital that young people are invited to learn more about the Holocaust through the forthcoming annual Memorial Day at the end of this month.

"I would encourage as many people - young and old - to learn more, and to engage with this vitally important project."

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Entries will be judged by a panel including Cllr Billing, Cllr Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg, Leader of North Herts Council, and Cllr Val Bryant, Chair of the Council.

The winning pieces will be featured during the council's Memorial Day service on Thursday, January 27, which they hope will be in person, Covid permitting, as well as being live streamed on their YouTube channel.

The event, in partnership with North Herts Interfaith Forum, will celebrate the contribution of young people to Holocaust and genocide education and commemoration.