Walsall Council is marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday 27 January 2026, joining communities across the UK in remembering the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
The day commemorates the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, and serves as a moment for reflection, education and remembrance.
Holocaust Memorial Day is supported nationally by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a charity established by the UK government to promote awareness and understanding. Each year, the event is centred around a specific theme, with 2026 focusing on Bridging Generations.
The theme highlights the importance of passing on the stories and lessons of the Holocaust to future generations. As the number of survivors decreases over time, the responsibility for remembrance increasingly falls to wider society, ensuring that the experiences of those affected are not forgotten.
Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, said:
“ Holocaust Memorial Day is a vital opportunity to remember the millions of lives lost and to honour the survivors who continue to share their experiences. By commemorating the Holocaust, we reaffirm our commitment to stand against hatred, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms, and to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. “
Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, as well as other groups targeted by the Nazi regime, including people who were gay, disabled, Roma, Sinti or from other persecuted communities.
The day also provides an opportunity to reflect on more recent genocides and atrocities in countries such as Bosnia, Cambodia, Darfur and Rwanda, recognising the continued relevance of its message.
The Bridging Generations theme emphasises the need to keep these histories alive through education and shared understanding. As time passes, there is a growing risk that the reality of these events may become more distant or misunderstood, making remembrance and awareness work increasingly important.
Residents can find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day and this year’s theme by visiting: https://www.hmd.org.uk