Explore the HMD 2020 theme
The theme for HMD 2020 reflects on how people have stood together in order to stop division and the spread of hatred in our society. Explore the theme: Stand Together and get inspiration for your HMD 2020 activities.
Holocaust Memorial Day
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Take part in HMD 2020
Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Find out about different ways you can get involved and explore the theme: Stand Together.
Roma and Sinti persecution
As we mark 75 years since the liquidation of the 'Gypsy Family Camp' at Auschwitz-Birkenau, learn about Nazi Persecution of the Sinti and Roma community.
HMD 2020: Stand Together
Discover the themeThe Holocaust and genocide
Holocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone 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.
The Holocaust
Between 1941 and 1945, six million Jewish men, women and children were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. Their attempt to murder all the Jews in Europe, shook the foundations of civilisation.
Nazi Persecution
The Nazis targeted anyone they believed threatened their ideal of a ‘pure Aryan race’, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay people, political opponents and others.
Cambodia
From 1975 to 1979, the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, imposed an extremist programme to reconstruct Cambodia. Millions of people died through starvation, disease and exhaustion, and thousands were executed.
Rwanda
In a violent outpouring in 1994, approximately one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered in just 100 days in the Genocide in Rwanda.
Bosnia
In July 1995, against the backdrop of an ongoing civil war, Bosnian Serb forces led by Ratko Mladić murdered around 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the town of Srebrenica.
Darfur
In 2003 a civil war began in the region of Darfur. Arab militia, known as the Janjaweed attacked black African people, destroying entire villages, murdering civilians and displacing many more.
Life Stories
The experiences of Holocaust and genocide survivors, as well as those who were murdered, give us a unique insight into the lives of those who have endured persecution.
Explore our collection of Life Stories
Susan Pollack MBE
Susan grew up in Hungary, and experienced antisemitism from a young age. In 1944 Susan was sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where she was separated from her family. After the war, she found out that more than 50 of her relatives had been killed and that only her brother had survived.
The Veseli Family
An Albanian Muslim family, who chose to shelter a Jewish photographer and his young family from the Nazis.
Marie Chantal Uwamahoro
During the Genocide in Rwanda, Chantal witnessed the worst of human nature as people turned against each other. She also saw the best of humanity in the neighbours who hid her and helped her survive, despite the risk to themselves and their families.
Nedžad Avdić
When he was just 17 years old, Nedžad Avdić was shot during the genocide in Srebrenica. He is one of just a small number of men and boys who survived the massacre, thanks to the help of another survivor.
Featured resources
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust provides free resources for everyone to get involved with Holocaust Memorial Day. From lesson plans and assemblies to poems and films, our resources will help you organise meaningful activities for Holocaust Memorial Day.
Discover our resources
HMD Tutor Time activities for secondary schools
This set of five activities are designed for use in tutor times. They include short activities and discussion questions to introduce students to the genocides remembered on Holocaust Memorial Day. Students will learn about people affected by the Holocaust and genocide and explore a range of themes.
Holocaust Memorial Day activity template: 10 - 30 minutes
Explore how you can mark Holocaust Memorial Day if you have 10 - 30 minutes.
HMD assembly – primary schools
This assembly for Key Stage 2 (or equivalent) introduces students to Holocaust Memorial Day, what we are commemorating, and how we can mark it. It includes poetry and film to engage students with the day. It can be delivered on or around 27 January.