Holocaust Memorial Day – remembering the fragility of inclusion

27 January marks the anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau. It is a sombre reminder of the 6 million Jews and millions of other minorities subjected to systematic mass extermination in Nazi-occupied territories during the Holocaust. It is also a time when we remember more recent genocides around the world, from Rwanda to Darfur.

The Holocaust proved what can happen given the right conditions, with a compliant people under the sway of a demagogue. It reminds us of the ever-present threat of tyranny, discrimination and persecution that we must resist every day. It is up to each of us to challenge language, assumptions and behaviours that have no place in an inclusive society.

“Together we bear witness for communities who suffered attempted annihilation, and honour the survivors and all those whose lives were changed beyond recognition.”

~ Holocaust Memorial Day Trust

Holocaust Memorial Day is a rallying cry for everyone to come together to learn about the past, empathise with disparate groups today, and work towards building a better future.