Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January each year, a time to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others who have been killed under Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and other places.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) reminds us that genocide does not occur in isolation - it is the result of unchecked hatred, discrimination, and racism. We are fortunate that the UK is not currently at risk of genocide, but we are not immune to prejudice or the language of exclusion. Discrimination still exists, and the seeds of hatred can grow if left unchallenged. Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity for reflection and for us to recommit to creating a safer, more inclusive future.
For a Better Future is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. The Holocaust shattered the fabric of civilisation, and the threat of genocide must still be resisted every day. Our world remains fragile, and we cannot be complacent. We must all challenge prejudice, discrimination, and the language of hate, wherever we encounter it.
Holocaust Memorial Day is for everyone
Across the UK, thousands come together each year to remember and learn. Together, we can create a world where hatred and intolerance are consigned to history. By learning more, empathising more, and doing more, we honour the memory of those who endured genocide and those whose lives were changed forever.
From Mildmay’s Chaplain, Sister Bernie:
At Mildmay, we observe Holocaust Memorial Day with a display in the reception and the chapel to raise awareness. Each year, we hold a Remembrance Service in our hospital chapel, and occasionally we invite speakers to share the stories of Holocaust survivors. Through these acts of remembrance, we stand together in solidarity, honouring the past while committing to a better future.
Given the current situation in Israel and Gaza is it too political to mark HMD?
No – we need to bring people together more than ever. HMD is a time to remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and during more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Marking HMD is not subject to the conflict in Israel and Gaza or conflicts anywhere else. It is a day for everyone, a day when we remember all those millions of people murdered because of something that made them who they were – for example, their ethnicity or faith.
Local Activities
Thousands of local activities and HMD commemorations take place all over the UK, each year. To see what is taking place near you, search the HMD Map.
The UK Ceremony
HMD Trust organises an (invitation-only) UK Commemorative Ceremony for HMD each year. This is the focal point of HMD in the UK and brings together the civic, faith and political leadership of the country alongside survivors of the Holocaust and more recent genocides.
On HMD, curated moments from the UK ceremony will be broadcast, ending with our national moment, ‘Light the Darkness’ at 8pm.
To be notified on when to register for access to the ceremony moments and to stay informed regarding ‘Light the Darkness’ sign up to the HMDT newsletter at hmd.org.uk/newsletter.
To find out more about the next UK ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day, go to
On 27 January at 8pm, everyone is invited to light a candle and safely place it in their window to:
remember those who were murdered for who they were
stand against prejudice and hatred today
We are all lighting the darkness on #HolocaustMemorialDay.
Yorumlar