West Northants to mark Holocaust Memorial Day with special 80th anniversary commemoration

17 December 2024

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) will join communities across the nation to observe Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Monday, 27 January 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

This year’s theme, For a Better Future, encourages reflection on the past while inspiring action to create a fairer, more inclusive world. It underscores the importance of learning from the past to build a brighter future amid rising antisemitism and other forms of hate crime.

Event Details

The commemoration will take place at the Great Hall in the Guildhall, Northampton, beginning at 1pm. The programme will feature a diverse range of reflections, performances, and tributes, including:

• Welcome speeches by WNC’s Chairman Cllr Jo Gilford; Deputy Lieutenant Peter Bason MBE BDS; and WNC’s Leader Cllr Adam Brown.  
• Contributions from Northamptonshire Police and Fire Service representatives, Father Oliver Coss (Chair of Northampton Inter Faith Forum), and Cllr Sam Rumens alongside Lori Rumens Gale.
• Performances and presentations from local school groups, WNC’s Youth Forum, and community leaders.
• A two-minute silence and the symbolic blowing of the Shofar by Bruce Greenberg, followed by a flower-laying and candle-lighting ceremony in the Guildhall courtyard.
• President of the Jewish Community, Michael Necus, will lead the memorial prayers, offering a moment of solemn reflection.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the national Light the Darkness moment at 8pm by lighting candles and placing them in windows. This symbolic act promotes unity, remembrance, and a stand against prejudice.

Social media users can help spread awareness about Holocaust Memorial Day by using the hashtags #HolocaustMemorialDay, #HMD2023 and #LightTheDarkness.

See full details of WNC’s Holocaust Memorial Day event.