HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2025
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place every year on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. It is an international day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. It is an occasion for everyone to come together to learn, remember and reflect.
Each year has a theme, and the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust have selected ‘For a Better Future’ as the theme for HMD 2025. This Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 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.
There are many things we can all do to create a better future. We can speak up against Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion; we can challenge prejudice; we can encourage others to learn about the Holocaust and more recent genocides.
Local Events and Activities
Events
- HMD 2025 Programme
- Holocaust Memorial Day Events in Exeter - Exeter City Council News
- 11:00 - 14:00 Come to the Forum to learn more about the Holocaust and how we can remember today.
Media
There are numerous ways you could mark Holocaust Memorial Day. We’ve provided some film suggestions below, but there are also books, podcasts, and even recipes.
Nazi Persecution
The Book Thief (12A) - Rent on Amazon
Sarah’s Key (12) - Rent on Amazon
Denial (12A) - Rent on Amazon
Another Mother’s Son (12) Rent on Amazon
Subsequent Persecutions
First they Killed my Father (15) - Netflix
Tree of Peace (18) - Netflix
For obvious reasons, these films deal with very difficult themes and you should be prepared for that before you start watching. Our advice for watching films like these:
- Check the age certificate and parent’s guide (e.g. on IMDB) before you watch it to know how explicit or violent the depictions will be.
- Choose a good time to watch it (maybe not before bed) and watch it with other people. Feel able to pause the film if you need to.
- After finishing the film, take time to discuss, reflect, and respond.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has also provided a film screening guide.
For a Better Future
80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, antisemitism (anti-Jewish hatred) has increased significantly in the UK and globally following the 7 October attacks in Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza. Many UK communities are feeling vulnerable, with hostility and suspicion of others rising. We hope that HMD 2025 can be an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all.
