06:30, 27 January 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Each year on January 27th, the world remembers the horrors of the Holocaust. This day, which goes by multiple names such as Holocaust Remembrance Day, Holocaust Memorial Day and International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust, all marks the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945 and honours the six million Jewish victims, alongside the millions of others who suffered under the Nazi regime.
As survivors grow fewer and antisemitism remains a threat around the world, many organisations are dedicated to preserving this memory and supporting affected communities. Here are four key groups leading the way:
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) is dedicated to educating the public about the Holocaust and other genocides, as well as promoting remembrance events in the UK. It helps to support communities affected by antisemitism and works with Holocaust survivors to ensure their voices are heard. Each year, the organisation facilitates events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, encouraging people to reflect on the dangers of hatred and intolerance.
Live at 7pm UK tonight, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust will be hosting a ceremony. Speaking about the ceremony, Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, CEO of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, shares her comments: "This year’s UK Ceremony, where we welcome Holocaust and genocide survivors alongside the nation’s political, faith and civic leadership provides a focal point for the nation’s commemorations.
Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, it’s our responsibility to carry forward the legacy of the survivors, honour the memory of those who were murdered, and stand resolutely against those who deny the truth or fuel prejudice and intolerance today. In a world increasingly vulnerable to division and bias, HMD calls on us all to reflect and learn lessons that inspire action towards a better future."
The Holocaust Educational Trust is dedicated to educating young people about the Holocaust and its lessons. Through survivor testimony, resources for schools, and educational outreach, the trust works to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. Its initiatives aim to foster understanding, respect, and tolerance, helping to combat antisemitism and other forms of hatred today.
The National Holocaust Centre and Museum in the UK is dedicated to educating future generations about the Holocaust and preserving the memory of its victims. Through exhibitions, survivor testimonies, and educational programs, it fosters understanding of the atrocities committed and the importance of combating hatred and intolerance. The centre also offers resources for schools and communities, ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust continue to resonate.
The Aegis Trust is a UK-based organisation focused on preventing genocide and promoting human rights education. It works to raise awareness of genocides, including the Holocaust, and is deeply involved in teaching about the importance of tolerance and respect. The trust’s initiatives include running the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda and various educational programs aimed at combating hatred and violence worldwide.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT). This charity hosts Holocaust Memorial Day with events around . Find out more.
Aegis Trust. This UK-based organisation focuses on prevention genocide around the world while promoting tolerance, respect and human rights advocacy. Learn more here.
The Holocaust Educational Trust. This non-profit organisation educates young people about the Holocaust and its lessons. Championing understanding and human rights. Support them here.
