What is Holocaust Memorial Day?
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust encourages remembrance in a world scarred by prejudice and systematic, targeted persecution. We promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day – the international day on 27 January. The Holocaust is central to Holocaust Memorial Day and we remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. We also commemorate the millions more people murdered through the Nazi persecution of other groups and in the more recent genocides recognised by the UK government, and the genocide in Darfur.
Reference: Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | What is Holocaust Memorial Day
SU Statement
On Tuesday 27 January we must take the time to remember the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides globally. The staggering statistics related to these genocides are overwhelming and to ensure we fully consider the ever-lasting impact of such atrocities we must recognise the millions of individual tragedies that occurred.
As an SU, we are commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day by encouraging fellow students to take a moment to reflect on the individual experiences of victims and survivors of the Holocaust, as well as the lessons that can be learnt from genocides of the past. Here are a few ways you could do this:
- The World Holocaust Remembrance Centre (Yad Vashem) has a unique commemorative activity where you can add your name to the ‘IRemember Wall’ and be randomly paired with the name of a Holocaust victim, you then appear together on the wall - you can read more about the individual’s story to remember this person’s life.
- These pages on the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website have a range of resources that we recommend looking at to increase your understanding of the genocides that have happened through history and their present-day implications.
- On 27 January, households across the UK will be lighting candles and safely putting them in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were, as well as to stand against prejudice and hatred occurring today. You could light a candle and put it in your window at 20:00 (if you are able to do so safely).
The SU stands in solidarity with our Jewish students and all students who have been impacted by genocide or hate-motivated violence.
We wanted to take a moment to remind you of the sources of support available for our student community.
The University offers a range of wellbeing and emotional support and resources which are outlined on this Wellbeing Support Webpage.
- If you are struggling to engage with your studies, please reach out to your academic department who can advise and support you.
- Our Student Support Service is available 09:00 - 17:00 UK time, Mon-Fri (excluding Bank Holidays) or by calling +44 (0)1225 383838 or emailing studentsupport@bath.ac.uk.
- Our Be Well service provides professional free, confidential advice and support by phone from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Help is also available from The SU’s Advice and Support Centre.
The Chaplaincy staff, who have established an interfaith group, are also happy to talk with anyone online who has been affected, in confidence. Please email chaplaincy@bath.ac.uk.
Staying safe on campus and reporting inappropriate behaviour
Our campus and the city of Bath have a strong record on safety, but if you are at all worried about your safety or the safety of others, please remember the Safezone App and the availability and support of our Security Team on or off campus.
We believe that bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct and discrimination are #NeverOK. Any incidents targeted at you or that you witness, should be reported online through our Support and Report tool. We have specialist staff to support and advise you on options for what happens next and how to access professional support.