MERSEYSIDERS are being urged to stand up to hatred to mark this year’s National Holocaust Memorial Day.

A special service to remember the 11 million people who died in the Holocaust and subsequent genocide across the world will take place at the St Johns Peace Garden next to St George’s Hall in Liverpool on January 27.

Last year, Liverpool hosted the National Memorial Day service, attended by Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sachs. This year’s national theme is Stand Up To Hatred and organisers say it links the past to the present.

Dr Stephen Smith, chairman of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), said: "It’s vitally important we take this opportunity to encourage communities and individuals to remember the lessons of the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and more recent genocides around the world. Holocaust Memorial Day 2009 urges people to choose to Stand Up To Hatred and help make our communities stronger and safer.

"People are still attacked, discriminated against, persecuted and bullied because of who they are – because of their religion, sexuality, race or disability and we need to do something to prevent it from continuing."

The service takes place at 2pm.

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