Marking Holocaust Memorial Day in Islington

Every year on 27 January, people across the UK mark Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD). It is a time to remember the six million Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust, along with the millions of others persecuted and killed under Nazi rule and in later genocides. 

Holocaust Memorial Day is not only about remembering the past. It also encourages us to think about what this history means today — about the importance of freedom and the responsibility we all share to stand up to hatred and discrimination.

Holocaust Memorial Day events in Islington 

To mark the day, alongside the council’s own Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony, Chabad Islington is hosting a programme of reflective and creative events, open to local residents and visitors. These events offer different ways to engage with remembrance, learning and community connection. 

Rabbi Mendy Korer from Chabad Lubavitch Islington reminds us to “use the Holocaust Memorial Day and local events to reflect on past hardships in order to bring about positive futures, recognising we all have a shared responsibility in making our communities respectful and kind.”

Art exhibition: Lost but Remembered – Traces of Jewish Legacy in Lithuania (29 Jan, 6-8pm)
Running throughout January, this powerful exhibition explores the remains of Jewish life and culture in Lithuania, a community almost entirely destroyed during the Holocaust. Through photography and archival material, it brings forward stories, places and traditions that might otherwise be forgotten.

Shabbat morning and Holocaust memorial prayers (24 Jan, 10:30-1:30pm)
Chabad Islington will hold a special Shabbat morning service that includes Holocaust Memorial prayers.The service provides a quiet space for reflection, remembrance and coming together as a community. People of all backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Coming together as a community 

Islington is home to many different cultures, faiths and histories. Holocaust Memorial Day reminds us why protecting that diversity matters, and of the role we all play in helping to build a borough where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.