People on the Isle of Man will join together to remember victims of the Holocaust later this month.
The Island’s Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on January 27th – the theme this year is 'Torn from Home'.
Organiser Carol Jempson says: "Through readings, prayers, music and song we will find out what happens when people are driven from their homes to escape persecution and violence.
"We’ll think about the difficulties survivors face as they try to build new homes, often in a new country with a different language and culture. And realise that home means something personal to each of us.
"The service will remember how in Nazi Germany, Jewish people had their homes taken from them before being condemned to unspeakable misery and suffering.
"Victims of genocides are often forced to flee their home and start again elsewhere, without the security and support of family and friends.
"We hope that by reflecting on what home means, and how we’d cope if we had to leave ours, this year’s theme will resonate with people in all sorts of ways."
Chief Minister Howard Quayle will give a reading at the service he says: "Holocaust Memorial Day is an important occasion in Manx public life.
"It is both an act of solemn remembrance and an opportunity to commit, publically and collectively, to build a society which does not tolerate persecution.
"Home means different things to different people.
"Many Manx residents regard the Isle of Man as home, as well as the house they live in, and that speaks of a supportive and welcoming community.
"We must all work to ensure that our community is welcoming and inclusive to those who choose to make their home here."
This year’s event will be held at St Mary of the Isle Church in Hill Street, Douglas at 3pm.
