"The 80th anniversary of Holocaust Memorial Day will give an opportunity for our towns to reflect" say Medway Liberal Democrats

For a Better Future is the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Monday 27th January 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Every year on that day Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place, a day that will give an opportunity for people from our towns and across the country to reflect on the tragic events of the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2025 is 'For a Better Future'.

Alan Wells, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats said, “ Even at a local level, we have witnessed recently attacks aimed at different faiths around our towns with acts of vandalism at the Chatham Memorial Synagogue. Like many residents close by, I was appalled at the attacks on the synagogue, which left the whole community shocked. The synagogue has been repeatedly marred by anti-social behaviour over the past five years with sustained attacks seeing the front door covered in excrement, its CCTV vandalised and the appalling desecration of its cemetery. Acts of this kind challenge the values of free, democratic and inclusive societies and have no place in Medway.

Not only as a resident in the High Street, but as a campaigner in the area, I know there is strong community agreement that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

It’s vital that we never forget the horrifying level of cruelty and pain caused by the Holocaust. We mark Holocaust Memorial Day at a time when our values are challenged every day across the world. By remembering this, we vow to continue to challenge antisemitism, prejudice and intolerance while we pledge not take our own freedoms for granted; and consider what we can do to protect and strengthen freedoms of others around the world."

Liberal Democrats are committed in tackling the appalling rise in hate crimes and will continue to fight against prejudice and discrimination, to ensure equality and protection for people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We will continue to condemn the attacks on the synagogue, as with any attacks on all religious buildings in our towns. Medway Liberal Democrats stand in solidarity against these acts of racism, which we will not tolerate. We are pleased to see that Medway will mark Holocaust Memorial Day and will be remembered at Cliffe Woods School.

ENDS

ADDITIONAL NOTES & LINKS FOR EDITORS:

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is the international day on 27 January to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi Persecution and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The 27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide, and promotes and supports HMD.

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. HMDT offers support to local councils to mark HMD, including publishing a number of free resources to support local organisations, such as a ‘Get Involved Guide’ for local authorities.

The IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, is as follows: ‘Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’ For more information please go to: Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | HMD 2025 Theme