Holocaust Memorial Day: Remembering Together
- Sabbatical Officer
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
On Tuesday 27 January, our college marked Holocaust Memorial Day — a day to remember the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the millions of others who have lost their lives in genocides and acts of persecution around the world.
Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January, marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945. It is a time not only to remember the past, but also to reflect on the present and think about the kind of society we want to be part of.
Remembering the Holocaust and other genocides
While Holocaust Memorial Day began as a way to remember the Holocaust, it also honours the victims of other genocides, including those that have taken place in countries such as Rwanda and Colombia, as well as elsewhere around the world.
These events remind us that genocide is not just something from the distant past. They show the devastating impact of hatred, discrimination, and the dehumanisation of people because of their identity, beliefs, or background.
Holocaust Memorial Day encourages us to:
Learn from history
Challenge prejudice and discrimination
Stand up for fairness, dignity, and respect
It’s about awareness and responsibility — not blame.
Our college stalls and candle mural
Throughout the day, students took part in Holocaust Memorial Day stalls, where everyone was invited to draw a candle as a symbol of remembrance.
Each candle represented an individual moment of reflection. When brought together, they formed a shared mural, showing how small actions can combine to create something powerful and meaningful.
The mural stands as a symbol of remembrance, hope, and solidarity, and reflects the thoughtful and respectful way our students engaged with the day. Thank you to everyone who took the time to take part.
Taking time to reflect
Holocaust Memorial Day doesn’t expect anyone to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply taking a moment to reflect, listen, and learn is enough.
By remembering the past — including the Holocaust and other genocides — and choosing kindness and respect in our everyday actions, we help build a safer and more inclusive future for everyone.
Some people may find learning about these events upsetting, and it’s okay to take time or seek support if you need it.
Find out more
If you would like to learn more about Holocaust Memorial Day, its history, and why it matters today, you can visit the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website:
If anything raised by the day feels difficult or upsetting, support is also available through the college wellbeing team during term time.