Dorset comes together on Holocaust Memorial Day 2026

Today marks just over 80 years since soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Holocaust Memorial Day was established in 2000 following the Stockholm Declaration and was formally recognised by the United Nations in 2005. It was built on earlier initiatives, including Germany’s designation of a National Day of Remembrance in 1996.

The day is commemorated by millions of people worldwide through national ceremonies, school activities, and personal acts of remembrance.

Together, people remember the estimated 17 million victims of the Holocaust and Nazi crimes against humanity, including six million Jewish people who were systematically murdered.

 

Events held on Holocaust Memorial Day aim to remember the victims, honour survivors, and educate future generations about the dangers of hatred, antisemitism, and systematic persecution, while urging action against prejudice in all its forms.

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026, “Bridging Generations,” focuses on ensuring that young people carry forward the memories of the Holocaust and other genocides.

The event organisers stress that as time passes, we grow more distant from the Holocaust and important memories fade. This years theme hopes to not just preserve memories, but connect them to the present day.

In Bournemouth, locals are also coming together to honour those whose lives were forever changed. Several events have been held to join with millions around the world in remembering the victims and acknowledging the tragedy of the Second World War.

The Bournemouth and Poole Holocaust Memorial Day Committee’s annual commemoration took place at the Lighthouse in Poole on 25 January. The event featured a special speaker, Melvyn Leach from Generation 2 Generation, who shared the survival story of his relative, Willy Halpert.

 

Today, a short commemoration is taking place in the council chamber of the Civic Centre from 10:00 am. Jonathan Lamsky will light a candle, followed by readings.

Attendees will then walk to the Holocaust Memorial Day memorial, located behind and to the left of the Cenotaph, where Kaddish will be said. Some will also take part in a short walk to the Anne Frank Tree.

It remains crucial to reflect on the past to prevent future genocides and to preserve the memories of those whose lives were lost under the Nazi regime.