Saturday 27th January is Holocaust Memorial Day, the annual international day for the world to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), the charity established to promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK, organises national ceremonies as well as supporting community organisations to hold more than 10,000 commemorative activities across the UK.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2024 is Fragility of Freedom and Martin Whitfield MSP is encouraging schools and other organisations to consider how they can help mark Holocaust Memorial Day either on the 27th January or in the days leading up to it.

This year’s theme considers the fact that in every genocide that has taken place, persecuted communities have had their freedoms systematically restricted and removed. The erosion of freedoms is part of a process that can lead to acts of mass violence and murder.

The thousands of events marking Holocaust Memorial Day this year will culminate in the Light the Darkness National Moment at 8 pm on 27 January. People across the nation will light candles and place them in their windows, whilst iconic buildings and landmarks will light up in purple during this powerful moment of commemoration.

Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“Remembering the lessons of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides is hugely important to helping humanity avoid repeating such atrocities.

“The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust undertakes excellent work supporting and facilitating commemorative and educational activities. 

“I’m pleased to join colleagues in encouraging schools, community groups and others in South Scotland to work with the Trust to mark Holocaust Memorial Day within their communities this year.”

Find out more about the work of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust at www.hmd.org.uk.