23 Jan 2025, 10:19Watford
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025: 80 Years on – Remembering and Reflecting
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025: 80 Years On – Remembering and Reflecting
On January 27, 2025, the world will unite in solemn remembrance of Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This momentous occasion holds profound significance as we reflect on the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and recommit ourselves to ensuring such horrors are never repeated. The theme for this year, “80 Years On,” prompts us to explore the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the urgent need for vigilance, education, and action in shaping a better future.
Historical Context
The Holocaust remains one of history’s darkest chapters. From 1941 to 1945, Nazi Germany carried out the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jewish men, women, and children. Alongside Jewish victims, millions of others, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled individuals, political dissidents, and others deemed "undesirable" by the regime, were brutally targeted. The culmination of these crimes was Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi extermination camp, liberated by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945.
The liberation of Auschwitz exposed the full horror of the Holocaust to the world. Survivors emerged from the camps scarred physically and emotionally, their testimonies bearing witness to the depths of human cruelty and resilience. Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the suffering endured by so many and the profound responsibility we bear to ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
The Theme for 2025: “80 Years On”
This year’s theme, “80 Years On,” encourages reflection on the lasting impact of the Holocaust. It challenges us to consider how the lessons of the past resonate in today’s world, particularly as the number of survivors dwindles, and the responsibility for remembrance shifts to younger generations. This is a serious challenge, as the diminishing number of survivors risks making George Santayana’s warning that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” ever more prescient.
The theme also urges us to honour the survivors' resilience while acknowledging the ongoing need to combat prejudice and build a more inclusive society. It reminds us that remembrance is not passive but requires active engagement in addressing hatred and discrimination wherever they arise.
The Importance of Personal Stories
Holocaust Memorial Day is not just about numbers; it is about people. Personal stories, such as that of Anna Lehnkering, bring a human face to the atrocities. Anna was a young German woman with a disability who was murdered under the Nazi "Aktion T4" programme, a policy aimed at exterminating those deemed “unworthy of life.” Her story reminds us that the Holocaust was not confined to Jewish victims alone but extended to many marginalised groups.
Equally impactful are the stories of Jewish families torn apart, such as those of parents who placed their children on Kindertransport trains, sacrificing their own safety to give their children a chance at survival. These narratives are critical in making the Holocaust relatable to new generations. They humanise the vast statistics, helping us understand the individual lives that were lost, the dreams cut short, and the families devastated.
Reflecting on personal stories is not merely about understanding history—it is about inspiring action. This year’s call to “Take Action for a Better Future” emphasises the role each individual can play in creating a more compassionate world. Whether by challenging hate speech, standing against discrimination, or promoting inclusivity, every small action contributes to the larger goal of preventing future genocides.
Contemporary Relevance
Despite the passage of 80 years, the lessons of the Holocaust remain deeply relevant. Antisemitism and other forms of hate continue to persist globally, often fuelled by misinformation and prejudice. Genocides have occurred since the Holocaust, including in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur, highlighting the continued need for vigilance and intervention.
Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us that hate and division do not arise overnight. They are cultivated through propaganda, indifference, and societal complacency. By examining how these patterns developed under the Nazi regime, we are better equipped to identify and counter similar threats today.
Commemorative Events in 2025
This year’s commemorations are especially significant. Across the world, people will gather to honour the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Memorial services, educational programmes, and community initiatives will provide opportunities for reflection and learning.
In the United Kingdom, notable figures, including King Charles III, are expected to participate in events that underscore the national commitment to remembrance. His planned visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau symbolises the importance of keeping these memories alive at the highest levels of society.
Local communities are also encouraged to participate in the commemorations. Candle-lighting ceremonies, survivor testimonies, and exhibitions offer ways for individuals to engage with the history of the Holocaust and reflect on its contemporary implications.
Lessons from the Adventist Church’s History
As we remember the Holocaust, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the role of religious institutions during this period. The Adventist Church, like many other Christian denominations, faced significant moral and ethical challenges under the Nazi regime. Instances of complicity, silence, and occasional resistance reveal the complexities of navigating faith under oppressive political systems. The Church’s history during the Holocaust highlights the dangers of compromising core values for political expediency. It reminds us that religious institutions must remain steadfast in their principles, advocating for justice and compassion even in the face of adversity.
Today, the Adventist Church actively promotes dialogue and fosters relationships with the Jewish community through its Global Mission Centre for Adventist-Jewish Relations and the UK Centre for Adventist-Jewish Relations.
Taking Responsibility for the Future
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is not only about looking back but also about taking responsibility for the future. It calls on each of us to actively work, as much as possible, towards a world free from hatred and division. This involves educating ourselves and others, challenging harmful ideologies, and fostering environments where diversity is celebrated and protected. Every small action contributes to building a more equitable community and helps to build bridges that will allow us to shine our lights to others.
Alex Mareniuc
Director – Centre for Adventist-Jewish Relations UK
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025: 80 Years On – Remembering and Reflecting
On January 27, 2025, the world will unite in solemn remembrance of Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This momentous occasion holds profound significance as we reflect on the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and recommit ourselves to ensuring such horrors are never repeated. The theme for this year, “80 Years On,” prompts us to explore the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the urgent need for vigilance, education, and action in shaping a better future.
Historical Context
The Holocaust remains one of history’s darkest chapters. From 1941 to 1945, Nazi Germany carried out the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jewish men, women, and children. Alongside Jewish victims, millions of others, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled individuals, political dissidents, and others deemed "undesirable" by the regime, were brutally targeted. The culmination of these crimes was Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi extermination camp, liberated by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945.
The liberation of Auschwitz exposed the full horror of the Holocaust to the world. Survivors emerged from the camps scarred physically and emotionally, their testimonies bearing witness to the depths of human cruelty and resilience. Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the suffering endured by so many and the profound responsibility we bear to ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
The Theme for 2025: “80 Years On”
This year’s theme, “80 Years On,” encourages reflection on the lasting impact of the Holocaust. It challenges us to consider how the lessons of the past resonate in today’s world, particularly as the number of survivors dwindles, and the responsibility for remembrance shifts to younger generations. This is a serious challenge, as the diminishing number of survivors risks making George Santayana’s warning that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” ever more prescient.
The theme also urges us to honour the survivors' resilience while acknowledging the ongoing need to combat prejudice and build a more inclusive society. It reminds us that remembrance is not passive but requires active engagement in addressing hatred and discrimination wherever they arise.
The Importance of Personal Stories
Holocaust Memorial Day is not just about numbers; it is about people. Personal stories, such as that of Anna Lehnkering, bring a human face to the atrocities. Anna was a young German woman with a disability who was murdered under the Nazi "Aktion T4" programme, a policy aimed at exterminating those deemed “unworthy of life.” Her story reminds us that the Holocaust was not confined to Jewish victims alone but extended to many marginalised groups.
Equally impactful are the stories of Jewish families torn apart, such as those of parents who placed their children on Kindertransport trains, sacrificing their own safety to give their children a chance at survival. These narratives are critical in making the Holocaust relatable to new generations. They humanise the vast statistics, helping us understand the individual lives that were lost, the dreams cut short, and the families devastated.
Reflecting on personal stories is not merely about understanding history—it is about inspiring action. This year’s call to “Take Action for a Better Future” emphasises the role each individual can play in creating a more compassionate world. Whether by challenging hate speech, standing against discrimination, or promoting inclusivity, every small action contributes to the larger goal of preventing future genocides.
Contemporary Relevance
Despite the passage of 80 years, the lessons of the Holocaust remain deeply relevant. Antisemitism and other forms of hate continue to persist globally, often fuelled by misinformation and prejudice. Genocides have occurred since the Holocaust, including in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur, highlighting the continued need for vigilance and intervention.
Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us that hate and division do not arise overnight. They are cultivated through propaganda, indifference, and societal complacency. By examining how these patterns developed under the Nazi regime, we are better equipped to identify and counter similar threats today.
Commemorative Events in 2025
This year’s commemorations are especially significant. Across the world, people will gather to honour the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. Memorial services, educational programmes, and community initiatives will provide opportunities for reflection and learning.
In the United Kingdom, notable figures, including King Charles III, are expected to participate in events that underscore the national commitment to remembrance. His planned visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau symbolises the importance of keeping these memories alive at the highest levels of society.
Local communities are also encouraged to participate in the commemorations. Candle-lighting ceremonies, survivor testimonies, and exhibitions offer ways for individuals to engage with the history of the Holocaust and reflect on its contemporary implications.
Lessons from the Adventist Church’s History
As we remember the Holocaust, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the role of religious institutions during this period. The Adventist Church, like many other Christian denominations, faced significant moral and ethical challenges under the Nazi regime. Instances of complicity, silence, and occasional resistance reveal the complexities of navigating faith under oppressive political systems. The Church’s history during the Holocaust highlights the dangers of compromising core values for political expediency. It reminds us that religious institutions must remain steadfast in their principles, advocating for justice and compassion even in the face of adversity.
Today, the Adventist Church actively promotes dialogue and fosters relationships with the Jewish community through its Global Mission Centre for Adventist-Jewish Relations and the UK Centre for Adventist-Jewish Relations.
Taking Responsibility for the Future
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 is not only about looking back but also about taking responsibility for the future. It calls on each of us to actively work, as much as possible, towards a world free from hatred and division. This involves educating ourselves and others, challenging harmful ideologies, and fostering environments where diversity is celebrated and protected. Every small action contributes to building a more equitable community and helps to build bridges that will allow us to shine our lights to others.
Alex Mareniuc
Director – Centre for Adventist-Jewish Relations UK
