Today is Holocaust Memorial Day It is a special day when we remember those who were killed in Europe by the Nazis. We remember all those who have been killed in other countries too.

Think about a candle The flame burns brightly. It shines in the darkness. It is a sign of

Hope Some people don’t have any hope. They live in very difficult situations where people are hurt, attacked or even killed. Today we think about those situations and the people who were affected. We try to think of how we can stop situations like that happening again.

During the Holocaust and other genocides many people lost hope. Their attackers tried to make them feel that they were worthless. They were not treated like human beings.

What had Ben to hope for? Ben Helfgott was a child in Poland when the Nazis came to power. Millions were put to death. He lived in fear for his life.

Beata Beata comes from Rwanda. During the genocide in 1994 she was terrified; she managed to escape but all her dreams were shattered.

This little girl from Cambodia was given a number instead of a name.

You can’t live without hope Hugo Gryn was 13 when he was deported with his family to a work camp. His father told him that you can live for a long time without food and water; you cannot live for long without hope.

What gives people hope? A future without fear Being accepted by others Living in harmony with their neighbours Being able to forgive

In Britain we can hope. We can think about the future.

We can live without fear

We try to accept all people

What does the Church ask us to do? Think about the Holocaust and other genocides Try to forgive others Celebrate that we are all different Care for those who have no hope in their lives

Pope Benedict Remembers Pope Benedict remembered the Holocaust when he visited Auschwitz the Nazi death camp.

What can we do today? Light a candle of hope Say a prayer for those without hope today Try to get to know someone from another faith or culture Be a sign of hope in your community