'Fragility of Freedom' - What is Holocaust Memorial Day? by Emma Daeth, Trust Chaplain
27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest concentration camp during the Second World War.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide. Their vision:
‘We promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) – the international day on 27 January 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.’
The theme for HMDT 2024 is ‘Fragility of Freedom’.
Freedom is fragile and it cannot be taken for granted. Today many people in Western democracies take freedoms for granted – this HMD, we can reflect on how these freedoms need to be valued, and on how many people around the world face restrictions to their freedoms to live, worship, work and love freely.
On HMD 2024, we can all reflect too on how freedom is fragile and vulnerable to abuse. As we come together in communities around the UK, let’s pledge not to take our freedoms for granted, and consider what we can do to strengthen freedoms around the world.
In recognition of the UK national Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Day, University of Southampton and Solent University have organised a commemorative event which will take place on Thursday 25 January, 6-8pm. The event will include performances by students from both universities. They will be marking the 30th Anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Admission is free, but please register on their website.
There are many activities taking place across the country to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day including the: UK Ceremony: Curated Moments.
Lighting a candle on HMD at 8pm on Saturday 27 January as part of The Light the Darkness national moment, to remember all who were murdered for who they were and to stand against prejudice and hatred. Perhaps you would like to join me in lighting a candle in solidarity and in hope for an end of hatred and division.
Details of all events and more information can be found on the HMDT website: