Today is the Holocaust Memorial Day 2023, where Jewish people and others around the globe remember events of World War 2 and more. The remembrance day takes place every year and events happen worldwide. But why do we reflect specifically on January 27?
Throughout the year people around the globe take certain days to reflect and remember the events of both World Wars. November 11 is probably the most well-known, with Armistice Day symbolised by red poppies. However, today, January 27, is also significant as it is Holocaust Memorial Day 2023. With events taking place worldwide, we look into the day’s importance.
What Is The Holocaust Remembrance Day?
The Holocaust Memorial Day is marked every year on January 27 to remember all the lives lost in the holocaust of World War 2, and other persecutions around the globe.
The day is for reflection on the events and the lessons learnt from them. It’s also a reminder that although the risk of genocide is not immediate in the UK, that is not the case for the rest of the world. Holocaust Remembrance Day should also be used to tackle hatred and discrimination, remembering that there is still much to do to make the world a safe space for all.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust lay out a set of commitments to help commemorate the day within communities and globally. Some of those commitments are:
- Understanding the holocaust shook the foundations of modern civilisation.
- Acknowledging that it will always be in our collective memory.
- Ensuring future generations understand the cause and consequences of the holocaust.
- Encouraging the remembrance of the holocaust by holding the annual UK Holocaust Memorial Day.
Each year, thousands of events take place, and Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 is no different.
Why Is Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 On January 27?
HMD is on January 27 because the date is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.
The day was first created on the anniversary in 2000 in Stockholm. Representatives from governments all around the world had a meeting and discussed how the Holocaust could be remembered through education and research. At the end of the meeting, all members signed a declaration to preserve the memory of the tragic events. That statement of commitment is the basis for all Holocaust Remembrance Day activities to this day.
In 2020, the 75 anniversary of the liberation and 20 years since that first meeting, countries renewed their commitments with the amended Ministerial Declaration.
Communities will hold assemblies and multi-faith services. People will be planting trees as well as attending workshops ad other countless activities.
At 4 pm, people across the UK will light candles in their windows to take part in the national movement, ‘Light the Darkness‘. The symbol will stand for remembering the holocaust and being against prejudice and hatred.