Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place on 27th January each year and commemorates the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
On HMD we remember past lessons and recognise that genocide is a steady process which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented. In the UK we are not at immediate risk of genocide, but discrimination has not ended, nor has the use of the language of hatred or exclusion.
There is much to do to create a safer future and HMD is an opportunity to start this process.
‘Fragility of Freedom’ is the theme for 2024’s Holocaust Memorial Day; in every genocide, those who are targeted have had their freedom restricted and removed, before many of them are murdered.
Canon Missioner at York Minster, Maggie McLean, writes: “York Minster’s act of commemoration, including the lighting of candles is part of a week-long programme of events that takes place across the City of York to mark international Holocaust Memorial Day.
“For ten years the Minster has provided a space for people of all faiths and none to come together to remember the Nazi Persecution and the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, in the hope that there may be a day in the future with no genocide.
“We learn more about the past, we empathise with others today, and we take action for a better future.”
