THE region has paid its respect to victims of the Holocaust in an event held in Darlington.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony, held at the town’s Dolphin Centre, saw musical and dance tributes, as well as poems, readings and prayers.

The Mayor of Darlington Brian Jones opened the ceremony, which saw more than one hundred people present to pay their respects.

Students from Hummersknott Academy in Darlington performed a contemporary dance routine, whilst violinist David Biermann showcased a piece of music called “Aleppo”, which was written by a young girl from Syria.

Mr Biermann says the music offers hope to a “great city” where “everything has disappeared.”

Students from Carmel College in Darlington spoke about their recent trip to Poland, where they learnt about the events of the Holocaust as a part of their Lessons from Auschwitz Project.

Katie Noble and Eve Whitaker visited two concentration camps and discovered suitcases, toothbrushes and other artifacts from the camps.

“We were wrapped up in coats and scarves but were still so cold – it is impossible to know how they survived” they said.

Holocaust Memorial Day is held annually by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, which aims to promote and support the events of the day in local communities, schools and educational institutions.

Bess Robertson, chair of the Darlington Hebrew Congregation, warned against all the “terrible” things currently going on in the world, calling for people to “join with others across the land to end such brutality”.

“There is a great deal of evil in the world, but there is also a great deal of good.

“We need people to come together from all nations, religions, races and minority groups.”

Ada Burns, chief executive of Darlington Borough Council, said the Holocaust must “have a permanent place in our nation’s memory”, emphasising the importance that future generations understand its causes and consequences.

“We recognise that the Holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation – its unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meaning.

“We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims and we honour the survivors still with us, and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.”