Next week, we’ll be standing in solidarity with communities around the world to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, a day to reflect and remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and the genocide regimes that followed.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is commemorated every year on the 27 January - a poignant date that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, where more than a million people were murdered. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia, which resulted in the death of around 100,000 people, and the displacement of over two million men, women and children.
HMD provides an opportunity for all generations to come together and learn more about the past, feel empathy and honour the survivors. It’s also an opportunity to think about the prejudices that are so sadly still prevalent today; learn from the past and be inspired to take action for a safer, more cohesive future for our communities.
This is reflected by this year’s theme ‘For a Better Future’ which focuses on how we can learn from the past and take action to secure a better future where people are not suffering prejudice or persecution because of their faith, ethnicity or other characteristic. We’re proud of our long-standing history of commemorating and acknowledging Holocaust Memorial Day in Barnsley, with plenty of ways you can get involved:
Barnsley Holocaust Memorial Event, Barnsley Town Hall, Monday 27 January, 6pm to 7.30pm
Everyone is welcome to attend Barnsley's annual Holocaust Memorial Day Event, organised by the Barnsley Holocaust Day Committee. The event, which has been held in Barnsley every year since HMD was first commemorated back in 2001, will include words of reflection from the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr John Clarke JP. You’ll also hear from a survivor of the Srebrenica Massacre, a representative from the Anne Frank Foundation, and speakers representing a range of faiths. There will also be a book of condolences which you can contribute to on the evening. There’s no need to book, just come along and enjoy the evening.
Holocaust Memorial Day at Barnsley Libraries
Our local library branches are busy preparing commemorative book displays, showcasing several Holocaust related reads. They’re also putting together a collection of eBooks, so keep an eye out on our eBooks and eAudio website.
Lighting up the Town Hall, Monday 27 January, from 4pm
We will once again #LightTheDarkness in Barnsley, alongside other iconic buildings and landmarks across the country, by lighting up our magnificent town hall in the Holocaust colour purple. This will honour all those who lost their lives to genocide and stand against the prejudice we still see today, symbolising our drive to create cohesive communities and a safer future for the borough.
Creating a better future for our children
We are encouraging all schools across the borough to mark Holocaust Memorial Day to help students learn about the Holocaust, feel empathy and be inspired to take action against the prejudices we see today. HMD education guidelines for teachers and a range of free resources are available to download on the HMD website.
Lighting up the Darkness at home and online, Monday 27 January from 7.30pm
Get involved at home and join the nation to watch curated moments from the Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) UK Ceremony before taking part in the Light the Darkness national moment at 8pm by lighting a candle and displaying it in your window – if safe to do so. Alternatively, share this flickering Holocaust candle gif on your social media pages to demonstrate your support and remembrance.
The Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr John Clarke JP, said: “I am honoured to be a guest speaker at Barnsley’s Holocaust Memorial Day event this year. This event has run every year since 2001 which is such a proud tradition to uphold and I hope to see many residents join us at this special event.
“Holocaust Memorial Day is such an important day for all generations to reflect, learn and talk about the millions of people who tragically lost their lives during the Holocaust and genocides that followed. This year marks 80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, yet we continue to see hatred around the world and in the UK. It is so important, perhaps now more than ever, that we learn from the past and more recent genocides to create a better future for our communities and future generations.
“We work hard in Barnsley to create a cohesive, inclusive and diverse borough where everyone is treated equally and made to feel welcome. Our ‘No Place for Hate’ campaign is a true reflection of our commitment to this and highlights that we all have a part to play. We will continue to challenge any prejudice and hatred that still prevails to create a safe and understanding future for ourselves and future generations in Barnsley.”
For more information and ways to get involved, please visit the Holocaust Memorial Day website.
