On Monday 27th January 2025, Worcester will join communities across the UK in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD). This annual observance marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, and serves as a poignant reminder of the six million Jews and countless others who perished during the Holocaust.
HMD is not only about remembering the Holocaust but also acknowledging more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 marks two significant milestones: the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide. This year’s theme, “For a Better Future,” encourages reflection on these historical atrocities and their contemporary relevance.
It’s a day for everyone to come together, learn from the past, and work towards a future free from prejudice and persecution.
Light the Darkness: A National Moment of Solidarity
At 8:00 PM on January 27, people across the UK are encouraged to light candles and place them safely in their windows. This gesture serves to:
- Remember those murdered for their identity
- Stand against prejudice and hatred
- Join a powerful national moment of commemoration
Iconic buildings and landmarks will be illuminated in purple during this time.
From 20th – 27th January 2025, a display at firstpoint will provide information about Holocaust Memorial Day and offer tea-lights for participants to join the Light the Darkness initiative.
Local Events in Worcester
Worcester Guildhall Talk
- Date: Monday, 27 January, 2025
- Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Worcester Guildhall
- Free entry
- More information: https://hmd.org.uk/activity/worcestershire-interfaith-forum-ceremony-hmd-2025/
This public event will feature speaker Natalie Cumming, who will share the story of her aunt, a violinist in Auschwitz. Local schools will contribute with readings, music, and an art exhibition. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Mayor.
The Hive Library Lecture
- Date: Monday, 27 January, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: The Hive Library
- Free entry (booking required)
- More information: https://hmd.org.uk/activity/the-hive-library-the-jewish-experience-in-nazi-germany-perspectives-from-victor-klemperers-diary-hmd-2025/
Dr. Paddy McNally, Principal Lecturer in History at the University of Worcester, will discuss Victor Klemperer’s secret diary, which documented the persecution of German Jews from 1933 to 1945.
As we remember the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides, we are reminded that change begins with each of us. By standing together, speaking out against hatred, and choosing compassion, we can transform remembrance into meaningful action.
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