For a Better Future
This Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.
Since 2015, Lewes Holocaust Memorial Day Group have run events in the days around Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on January 27, which marks the date of the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945.
’80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, antisemitism (anti-Jewish hatred) has increased significantly in the UK and globally following the 7 October attacks in Israel by Hamas and the subsequent war in Gaza. Extremists are exploiting the situation to stir up anti-Muslim hatred in the UK. Many UK communities are feeling vulnerable, with hostility and suspicion of others rising. We hope that HMD 2025 can be an opportunity for people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all’
– hmd.org.uk
Holocaust Memorial Day events at Depot
Children’s Talk
Sunday 26 January, 11:00
Author Miriam Halahmy gives a talk about her children’s novel Saving Hanno: a Refugee Boy and his Dog, about a boy who comes to England on a Kindertransport and has to save his dog. For children aged 8-11. Parents are welcome to stay for the event with their children.
This is a free event, and does not require a ticket. Entry is on a first come first served basis.
Children’s Writing Workshop
Sunday 26 January, 14:00
A fun, interactive writing workshop for children aged 8-11 about how it feels to be a refugee in a foreign country, run by author Miriam Halahmy. Parents are welcome to stay for the event with their children.
This is a free event, and does not require a ticket. Entry is on a first come first served basis.
Judgment at Nuremberg
Sunday 26 January, 15:00
(Rated PG, 1961, 191 mins)
In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity.
Chief Justice Haywood hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe, but also from the widow of a Nazi general, an idealistic U.S. Army captain and reluctant witness Irene Wallner.
A Real Pain
From Friday 24 January
(Rated 15, 2024, 90 mins)
20:15, Wednesday 29 January: Includes a 15 minute talk by Tim Locke on his own family history in Poland
Mismatched cousins David and Benji reunite for a tour through Poland to honour their beloved grandmother.
The adventure takes a turn when the pair’s old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.
Lewes Holocaust Memorial Day Group
The programme was put together by this group in conjunction with the national organisation, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. The Trust commemorates 27 January, the anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945. Holocaust Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for the millions of people killed in Nazi persecutions and later genocides.
For news and to find out more about the group, please visit the website. If you would like to be involved in this or future HMD projects in Lewes, please get in contact via the website or facebook group.
The organisers would like to thank Lewes Town Council, Lewes District Council and Depot Cinema for their generous support.