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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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Holocaust Memorial Day

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What is Holocaust Memorial Day?

On Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January, we remember the six 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.

27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

Why mark it?

The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and discrimination and persecution must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable and we cannot be complacent. Wherever it takes place, including in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.

 

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Holocaust Memorial Day Events 2026

There will be events taking place across Durham University and the wider community to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD). Please find information below:

28 January (6pm to 8pm): HMD Talk and Remembrance Event at Stephenson College

 

Stephenson College, DU Jewish Society and DU Chaplaincy Network welcomes all members of the DU community to a Holocaust Memorial Day Remembrance Event on Wednesday 28 January 2026, between 6:00pm and 8:00pm at Stephenson College.

 

Vivienne Cato of the Northern Holocaust Education Group will deliver a talk, before we #LightTheDarkness at a simple candle-lighting ceremony. We will read a poem and hold a minute's silence. You are welcome to attend for all or part of the event. Northern Holocaust Education Group (NHEG) was founded in recognition that the first generation of Holocaust Survivors will not be able to tell their stories in person forever. Their aim is to ensure that future generations will continue to experience the life stories of victims of Nazi persecution and the Holocaust, in a way that will be meaningful and relevant to the issues of the present day.

 

If you would like to attend the event, please complete the form here. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Hosegood, Vice-Principal of Stephenson College on stephenson.vp@durham.ac.uk.

 

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust 

Each year, various activities take place across the UK to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Everyone is welcome to explore HMD Trust's interactive map to access information on events happening in 2026. 

Past HMD reflections from Durham University students

  • Floren Kay, Outreach Officer of the DU Jewish Society (2023) wrote about HMD and her reflections on its significance. Read her insightful piece here.
  • In this powerful piece published at The Conversation, Daniel Adamson, a PhD student in our History Department, delved into the Holocaust Memorial Day theme in 2023, 'ordinary people'.