Holocaust Memorial Day 2023

Ordinary People

The theme for this year is Ordinary People. Ordinary people were involved in all aspects of the Holocaust, Nazi persecution of other groups, and in the genocides that took place in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. The theme, set by the Holocaust Memorial Trust, prompts us to consider how ordinary people, such as ourselves, can perhaps play a bigger part than we might imagine in challenging prejudice today.

How we are marking the day

A number of Lewisham Schools have taken part in online workshops hosted by the Holocaust Educational Trust. Teaching resources and other materials can be found on the Holocaust Memorial Trust website.

The Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, will be lighting a candle in the council chamber on the 27 January to remember those whose lives were lost as a result of genocide, and the millions affected by genocide since the end of WWII.

Local events

Lewisham's Holocaust Memorial Day Committee will be hosting a local community event on the 29 January at 3.00pm. We will have a number of speakers from across many faiths in the borough, including contribution from the Catford and Bromley Synagogue, Lewisham Islamic Centre, St Laurence Church, as well as holocaust survivors and their families. Due to the sensitive nature of this event, we are asking all guests to register their interest on Eventbrite. Contact civicevents@lewisham.gov.uk for further details.

Residents can also light a candle and sit in a moment of silent reflection at the Hither Green Crematorium Chapel on Sunday 29 January 10am-3pm.