Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January


 Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place every year on 27 January. 


Light a candle

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust states this on its website:

 "The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust encourages remembrance in a world scarred by prejudice and systematic, targeted persecution. We promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day – the international day on 27 January. 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 in the more recent genocides recognised by the UK government, and the genocide in Darfur."

Church of Ireland representatives, including Archbishop John McDowell, Church of Ireland Prinate, attended the HMD Northern Ireland event this year on 23 January in Belfast City Hall. Time was devoted at this event to hearing the stories of 'Mothers of Srebrenica'. Most striking was their determination to teach the next generation to choose love over bitterness. 



Remembering Srebrenica



Belfast City Hall

Understanding Genocide

Important for us to understand is that genocide doesn't just happen. It starts with divisive language and people being targeted on account of their identity - a reality we touched upon in our church services and sermons this past weekend (25-26 Jan 2025) when reflecting upon the gospel of the day, Luke 4: 14- 30 (see https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=338530202 ). 

You can learn more on the subject here:

https://hmd.org.uk/learn-about-the-holocaust-and-genocides/what-is-genocide/


Holocaust Memorial Day Trust encourages us on 27 January at 8pm to light a candle and place it safely in our window to remember those who were murdered for who they were and stand against prejudice and hatred today.

You can read about HMD and the work of Holocaust Memorial Day Trust here: 

https://hmd.org.uk/what-is-holocaust-memorial-day/

https://youtu.be/wCYAFWiZfRg?feature=shared






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