Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and elsewhere.
The aims of HMD are laid out in the statement of commitment created on 27 January 2000, when representatives from 46 governments around the world met in Stockholm to discuss Holocaust education, remembrance and research.
Holocaust Memorial Day is a time when we seek to learn the lessons of the past and recognise that genocide does not just take place on its own - it’s a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented. We are fortunate here in the UK, as we are not at immediate risk of genocide. However, discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion. There is still much to be done to create a safer future; and HMD is an opportunity to start this process.
Each year, thousands of activities take place for HMD, bringing people from all backgrounds together to learn lessons from the past in creative, reflective and inspiring ways. From schools to libraries, workplaces to local authorities, HMD activities offer a real opportunity to honour the experiences of people affected by the Holocaust and genocide, and challenge ourselves to work for a safer, better future.
There will be events taking place across Durham University and the wider community to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. Please find information below:
27 January (6.30pm): HMD Talk and Remembrance Event at Stephenson College
Stephenson College, DU Jewish Society and DU Chaplaincy Network welcomes all members of the DU community to our Holocaust Memorial Day Remembrance Event on Monday 27 January 2025 from 6.30pm - 7.45pm at Stephenson College. Hannah Goldstone from the Northern Holocaust Education Group will share her grandfather Martin Wertheim's story. Hannah will share Martin's story in the context of pre war Germany, life under Nazi rule and the trauma of travelling to a strange country. The talk will be centred around a family album, which was given to a neighbour by Martin's father and lovingly kept until Martin's brother travelled back to Germany after the war.
If you would like to attend the event, please complete the form here. Pre-registration is required. If you have any queries, please contact Katie Stobbs, Vice-Principal of Stephenson College on stephenson.vp@durham.ac.uk.
27 January (10am): Brenda Dinsdale speaks at Empire Consett (Durham County Council and Durham Cathedral)
Guest speaker Brenda Dinsdale, honorary life president of Newcastle Reform Synagogue will explore the extraordinary story of the Kindertransport, a rescue effort which brought thousands of mostly Jewish children to Britain during the Second World War. Brenda will examine the stories of those who travelled and then settled in the North East.
This event will take place on Monday 27 January 10.00 am - 11.30 am. Tickets are free (excluding a £2.00 per booking transaction fee).
Book free tickets for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025.
The UK Online Commemoration for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 will be streamed on the Trust's website on Saturday 27 January at 8pm. Anyone can register to watch the commemoration via this page.
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