Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is marked on 27 January each year and is a time to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed.

Theme

Ordinary People – 27 January – our theme this year highlights the ordinary people who let genocide happen, the ordinary people who actively perpetrated genocide, and the ordinary people who were persecuted.

Bishop Declan Lang, Chair of the Bishop’s Conference’s International Affairs department, is encouraging us to pause on Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January, to remember the millions who were murdered and pray that “love will triumph over evil.”

“On Holocaust Memorial Day, we pray for the six million people who were murdered and all those affected by the Holocaust. We also remember those who suffered and died in the genocides that followed.

“This year’s theme is Ordinary People, recognising that it was ordinary people who fell victim to ordinary people perpetrating evil acts, while so many ordinary people stood by. It was also the bravery and selflessness of ordinary people that helped to rescue others.

“Each one of us has the capacity for both immense good and for evil. As we take a moment to pause from our daily lives, let us reflect upon our own responsibility to prevent future genocides and consider how we view marginalised people in our communities. We commit ourselves to stand against antisemitism, injustice and prejudice wherever it might be found.

“Together we remember the Holocaust and pray that love will triumph over evil.”

Bishop Declan Lang
Chair, Department for International Affairs

Council for Christians and Jews (CCJ) HMD resource is now available, featuring prayers, reflections and advice on how to commemorate the Holocaust in churches.

CCJ – Holocaust Memorial 2023 Resource