In association with the Holocaust Centre North, 6+Million Charitable Trust, and community groups, we will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday 27 January.
What is Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD)?
HMD is an international day of remembrance for the millions of innocent people murdered during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and Cambodia. It also honours the survivors, and all those whose lives have been touched and changed beyond recognition.
Our Kirklees Cohesion team have been working with partners to support a partner-led event which will remember the lives lost.
Councillor Cathy Scott, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“Holocaust Memorial Day helps us educate and understand the dreadful atrocities of the past, to show our solidarity with all who have died and reaffirm our resolve to work towards peace and understanding.
“We champion our borough as a place of welcome and safety to those who may have faced persecution and have been subjected to hate.
“I encourage you to learn more about the impact of the Holocaust and genocides to help build understanding and tolerance and a brighter future.”
Royal recognition for centre
At the end of 2023, Holocaust Centre North, based at the University of Huddersfield, was awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of the work with first, second and third generation survivors, and the contribution it has made in the preservation of history.
Councillor Cahal Burke, Mayor of Kirklees, said:
“The Holocaust Centre North is truly deserving of the award, and I want to commend them in delivering integral education programmes and exhibitions that inspire others to value human rights, freedom, and equality.
“Observing Holocaust Memorial Day is very important as it raises awareness of intolerances and prejudices, but it is also an opportunity to show how diversity in our communities can come together to make them strong.
“As Mayor I am proud to say I have seen just this – people of different faiths and backgrounds coming together in times of tragedy and celebration, and how people make their voices heard to make a difference in our borough.”
Events and learning opportunities
An Evening of Commemoration at The Holocaust Centre North, University of Huddersfield
Tuesday 23 January, 6.30pm
At the evening you will hear from Holocaust survivors and their families as they share their stories. Alongside presentations from local schools and The University of Huddersfield’s Jewish society. Dieudonne Manirakiza will give a talk entitled ‘Reconciliation is better than being right’. Dieudonne Manirakiza is from Burundi and arrived in the UK in 2002 seeking sanctuary.
Book your free place at the Holocaust memorial evening
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2024 UK Ceremony
Saturday 27 January, 7.30pm
Register your virtual attendance now to watch curated moments from UK Ceremony, before taking part in the Light the Darkness national moment at 8pm.
Register your virtual attendance
Themed collection of books
Our libraries have a collection of books that allow younger readers to understand and start conversations to help with their learning. The collection is a mix of books aimed at upper primary and secondary. There are some ideal titles to share and discuss with an adult.
Browse our eBook collection, search our online catalogue or come and see us in one of our libraries.
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
Moving Portraits – This special project features a collection of five photographs of genocide survivors, with each individual featured holding an object that holds significance to them.
Life stories – These experiences of Holocaust and genocide survivors give a unique insight into the lives of those who have endured persecution.
Holocaust Centre North
Dedicated to sharing a history of the Holocaust through local stories of survivors and refugees who made new lives in the North of England, featuring exhibitions, archives, public engagement and learning programmes, community support activities, research and artistic collaborations.
Visit Holocaust Centre North for more information.