'Be the light in the darkness' - Leeds United's Mateusz Klich and Liverpool's Jordan Henderson encourage support for Holocaust Memorial Day

Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich has joined Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson in showing support for Holocaust Memorial Day.
VIDEO MESSAGE - Mateusz Klich, right, has joined fellow Premier League players to show support for Holocaust Memorial Day. Pic: GettyVIDEO MESSAGE - Mateusz Klich, right, has joined fellow Premier League players to show support for Holocaust Memorial Day. Pic: Getty
VIDEO MESSAGE - Mateusz Klich, right, has joined fellow Premier League players to show support for Holocaust Memorial Day. Pic: Getty

Today marks the memorial for millions murdered in the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides.

At 8pm landmarks across the United Kingdom, including West Ham's London Stadium, Blackpool Tower and the London Eye, will be lit up in the purple of the campaign, organised by Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

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In a special video released this morning Whites' Polish midfielder Klich and some of his fellow Premier League stars have encouraged others to show their support by lighting a candle this evening and placing it safely in windows to create a national moment, called 'Light the Darkness.'

A statement from the Premier League said: "Today marks Holocaust Memorial Day and the Premier League, its clubs and players are joining together to commemorate this year's theme, "Be the light in the darkness".

"Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides, such as in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

"In October 2020, the Premier League adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, as part of its ongoing commitment to promote equality and diversity, and to combat discrimination of any form in football."

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Chelsea are to highlight the stories of 20 sportsmen and women murdered at the hands of the Nazis, 17 of whom were of Jewish heritage, during tonight's game against Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool will host virtual talks with Holocaust survivors for staff and players and Under 14 academy players across the division will take part in the Football Remembers The Holocaust educational programme, a three-day course conducted online.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the youngsters will learn about Julius Hirsch, the first Jewish player to represent Germany, but who was deported to and murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

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