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Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

This guide has been curated by Lancaster University Library in partnership with Regional Ambassadors of the Holocaust Educational Trust and the Lancaster University Jewish Society

What is Holocaust Memorial Day?

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place each year on 27 January.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is the international day on 27 January 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 CambodiaRwandaBosnia and Darfur.

27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable and we cannot be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.

HMD is for everyone. Each year across the UK, thousands of people come together to learn more about the past and take action to create a safer future. We know they learn more, empathise more and do more.

Together we bear witness for those who endured genocide, and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.

(Holocaust Memorial Trust, 2023)

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day and the work of the Holocaust Memorial Trust, visit Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

HMD 2025: For a Better Future

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is HMD 2025: For a better future

'We can learn both from and about the Holocaust and more recent genocides, for a better future.' Holocaust Memorial Day Trust

This year is the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. 

This theme is asking for everyone to reflect on the things we learn and and remember about the Holocaust to shape the next generation's future, encouraging hope and optimism.

'For a better future' is directing attention towards how we can establish a future that is inclusive, diverse and vibrant through establishing effective action. 

Read more about this year's theme here: Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | HMD 2025 Theme