Fragility of Freedom is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2024.

'That is when the trouble started for the Jews. Our freedom was severely restricted by a series of anti-Jewish decrees.'

– Anne Frank, diary entry, Saturday 20 June, 1942 – reflecting back on May 1940 when the Germans arrived in the Netherlands

What is Holocaust Memorial Day?

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide. We promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) – the international day on 27 January to remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and during more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

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

The Holocaust threatened the fabric of civilisation, and genocide must still be resisted every day. Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable, and we cannot be complacent. Even in the UK, prejudice and the language of hatred must be challenged by us all.

HMD is for everyone. Each year across the UK, thousands of people come together to learn more about the past and take action to create a safer future. We know they learn more, empathise more and do more.

Together we bear witness for those who endured genocide, and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.

Display in the School Library

Our School Librarian has put together this informative and thought-provoking display about Holocaust Memorial Day in the Library, with lots of great book recommendations.

Useful links and resources

• The Holocaust, 1939 - 1945 - World War Two and the Holocaust - KS3 History - homework help for year 7, 8 and 9. - BBC Bitesize
• World War Two and the Holocaust - KS3 History - BBC Bitesize
• History KS3 / GCSE: Children of the Holocaust - BBC Teach
• What was the Holocaust? - BBC Newsround
• Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | Resources (hmd.org.uk)
• Seven children's books to help talk about the Holocaust | BookTrust
• What Was The Holocaust? - Holocaust History | IWM
• 6 Stories Of The Kindertransport - The Holocaust | IWM
• Holocaust Education.org.uk
• Jewish Museum London

Take part in Holocaust Memorial Day

• Take part in Holocaust Memorial Day
• Royal Borough of Greenwich - Holocaust Memorial Day Service 29th January 2024
• University of Greenwich - 'This is our story' Exhibition - The exhibition is free to visit, no booking is necessary.
• Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 with Tom Palmer - series of videos
• Imperial War Museum - The Holocaust Galleries - Free Exhibition