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Holocaust Memorial Day - Monday, 27 January

17 Jan 2025

Reflecting on the Holocaust

Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place each year on 27 January. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. The theme for this year is ‘For a Better Future’ which aims to create an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past and to take action for a better future for everyone.  

HMD encourages the world to remember and reflect on the Holocaust as well as more recent genocides recognised by the UK government. While hate, discrimination and persecution still exist, it is important that we take action to ensure a better future for all.

How can I take part?

On Monday, 27 January we will be hosting a stall in the Student Union Building between 12pm and 2pm to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. You can come along to find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day, speak to our Jewish Chaplain or to collect a candle to commemorate a person killed in the Holocaust and commit an action to their memory.

You can also visit our Padlet to contribute your thoughts and words of respect, find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day and look at available support.

Light the Darkness 

At 8pm on Monday, 27 January, people across the nation will light candles and put them safely in their windows to remember those who have were killed for their identity and to stand against prejudice and hatred across the world happening today.

You can be part of the conversation online by sharing a photo of your candle and tagging the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust using the hashtag #HolocaustMemorialDay and #Lightthedarkness

About Holocaust Memorial Day 

Visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s website to find out more about the day itself, to read the memorial pages, explore HMD’s interactive ‘Ordinary Objects Extraordinary Journeys’ page and to browse the many other resources that they have available online.

  • Attend a local/national event. The Holocaust Memorial Day website lists events across the UK that are either private or public to attend; 
  • Take Action for a Better Future.Whether you have 5 minutes, 1 hour or you’re ready to commit more time to taking actions for a better future, you can find ideas and examples of how to educate yourself, how to find local volunteering opportunities and the actions that others have taken on HMD’s website;
  • BBC Holocaust Memorial Coverage.

More Information and Support 

Complete the Antisemitism or Islamophobia Training on StaffNet

Report and Support 

  • Report instances of bullying, harassment, discrimination, gender-based violence, hate or microagressions via Report and Support anonymously or you can speak to a trained advisor.

Download the SafeZone App 

  • You can use the SafeZone app to get through to security immediately, ‘check in’ any time of the day or night, get medical assistance immediately and to call for assistance quickly. 

Active Bystander Training