Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

The international theme for 2025 commemorations is 'For a better future' to remind people that genocide doesn't just happen; there is always a set of circumstances which build a climate where genocide can take place, and where perpetrator regimes can remove the freedoms of those they are targeting.

The Sunderland Inter Faith Forum holds its Holocaust Memorial Day Event at Sunderland Minster on Monday 27 January at 6:30pm. It commemorates the 80^th anniversary of the liberation Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp complex on the 30^th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Everyone is invited to attend.

Joining the Inter Faith Forum will be Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Allison Chisnall, The Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear Ms Susan Wear, and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness.

Alongside them are two guest speakers: Deanna Van der Velde, Director of Newcastle Council of Faiths and Chair of Newcastle Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (SACRE) and member of Durham and Northumberland SACRE, and Professor Yitka Graham of the University of Sunderland.

Mayor Cllr Chisnall said: "Commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day is especially significant this year as it marks the 80^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Ensuring we never forget the lives lost and educating future generations of the consequences of racism and hatred is important."

During the memorial event violinist Judith Thompson will play music from Schindler's List.

Sunderland Inter Faith Forum said: "This commemoration brings us together to learn of Nazi persecution and in remembrance of the genocides in Cambodia, Darfur, Rwanda and Bosnia which followed, in hope that the actions of ordinary people will prevent further Genocide."

This year's Holocaust Memorial Day event will take place at 6.30pm in Sunderland Minster. More details are in the attached: Holocaust Memorial 2025 Order of Service.odt

For more information on what is happening nationally for Holocaust Memorial Day, visit www.hmd.org.uk