Holocaust Memorial Day 2025: For a better Future

This year Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and discrimination and persecution must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable, and we cannot be complacent. Wherever it takes place, including in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.

Together we bear witness for communities who suffered attempted annihilation and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.

For several years Truro Cathedral has worked with the Devon and Cornwall Police Diverse Communities Team, Kehillat Cornwall (the Jewish community in the County), and other community groups across Cornwall in marking the day, and this year is no exception. There will be an exhibition on hate crime and how it sows the seeds of genocide, from Monday 19th January and also artwork reflecting on the day, produced by schools from Cornwall. On the day itself, community groups will be in the cathedral from 10.30am until 3pm and will interact with the public regarding their experience of belonging to minority groups and the joys, and at times, challenges that can bring.

At 12 noon there will be a candle-lighting ceremony during which a panel of people will reflect on the experiences of Holocaust survivors.  

The Holocaust is central to Holocaust Memorial Day, and we remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. We also commemorate the millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups and more recent genocides, including those in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur in Sudan. Holocaust Memorial Day is for everyone. Each year across the UK, we bring people together to learn more about the past, empathise more with people today, and work to build a better future. ‘For a better future’ is the theme of the day this year.

Holocaust Memorial Day Exhibition

Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day Candle Lighting Ceremony