Manchester pays respects to Jewish community for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Each year, Holocaust Memorial Day provides a poignant moment to reflect on the darkest chapters of human history. On 27th January, Manchester will join communities across the globe in honouring the survivors, remembering the victims, and recommitting to a brighter, more inclusive future.

This year’s theme, “For a Better Future,” invites reflection on the human cost of the Holocaust and other genocides, urging us to learn from the past to build a future defined by unity and compassion. Across the city, events and exhibitions will open spaces for dialogue, education, and collective action.

Holocaust Memorial Day

At the heart of the commemorations is a special gathering at the Rates Hall on 23rd January. The event will feature Holocaust survivor Dr. Martin Stern MBE, who will share his deeply personal story of resilience and hope. You can find out more information about DR Martin Stern MBE’s story by clicking here

Opening remarks by the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Andrews, will set a tone of reverence and reflection, while a poetry reading by Hannah Senesh and a Memorial Prayer led by Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen will offer moments of solemnity and connection. The evening will close with remarks from Deputy Leader Councillor Joanna Midgley, emphasising Manchester’s commitment to combating antisemitism and intolerance.

“This day allows us to forge deeper connections, dispel misconceptions, and celebrate the contributions of the Jewish community in Manchester,” said Councillor Midgley. “By coming together, we can foster understanding, unity, and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.”

Reflections on freedom: Jewish Museum’s open day

Manchester Jewish Museum is set to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 with a special Museum Open Day, celebrating a unique collaboration with the Iziko Next Gen Homework Club, which works in partnership with NTCG Faith Tabernacle in Cheetham Hill. Children aged 6 to 13 have been working closely with the museum to explore its rich collection of stories from Jewish refugees during the Second World War.

In response to the stories, they have been creating artworks on this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme of ‘For a Better Future’. These artworks share the children’s ideas and hopes for Cheetham in the future, including ways in which we can continue to make the city a welcoming place for people arriving to Manchester.

The Museum Open Day, designed by the children, will showcase their artwork alongside a programme of activities for all ages. Visitors can look forward to art displays and creative workshops, including a Make Your Own Fabric Bookmark session. They will also get a chance to explore the museum galleries and the spectacular 150-year-old Spanish and Portuguese synagogue as well as sample dishes from the museum’s award-winning vegetarian Café.

“This has been a fantastic opportunity for children at the Homework Club to get a unique insight of personal histories linked to the Holocaust in such a creative way which brings the stories to life.” – said Sharon Thomas from NTCG Faith Tabernacle in Cheetham Hill.

Elysia Lukoszevieze, Creative Producer at Manchester Jewish Museum added: “Working with the kids from the Homework Club has been so enjoyable. Learning about their aspirations for the future and the level of empathy they displayed for refugees and other members of their local community was inspiring. I’d urge everyone to come along to the open day to celebrate their hard work and enjoy the artworks they’ve made throughout the project”.

The Museum Open Day will take place at Manchester Jewish Museum on Sunday, 26th January from 12pm to 4pm. Entry is free, and all are welcome. Tickets can be booked here

Holocaust Memorial Day Schools’ exhibition at Manchester Cathedral

Adding to this year’s commemorations, pupils from across the Diocese of Manchester have created a powerful response to the Holocaust in a special exhibition at Manchester Cathedral’s Regimental Chapel, running from 23rd to 30th January 2025.

The exhibition, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia, showcases the children’s reflections on themes of love, hope, and peace. Using creative approaches, they’ve explored the enduring human capacity for resilience and connection in the face of unimaginable suffering.

The official launch of the exhibition will take place at 2pm on 23rd January and offers visitors the opportunity to view the pupils’ work, hear about the inspiration behind their creations, and reflect on the lessons of history. Free registration for the launch event is now open.

You can find out more information about this event by clicking here

Looking forward, together

Since its establishment in 2001, Holocaust Memorial Day has been a powerful reminder of the horrors of hatred and intolerance. From the Holocaust to subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur, the day serves as a call to action for communities worldwide to stand united against injustice.

Manchester’s commemorations echo this message, transforming the past’s lessons into hope for the future. Whether listening to the harrowing yet inspiring words of a survivor, engaging with young voices shaping tomorrow, or reflecting in the quiet of a museum, every moment matters.

Holocaust Memorial Day is not just about remembering—it’s about resolving. And in Manchester, the resolve is clear: to build a city, a country, and a world where compassion and understanding prevail.