To remember these atrocities that happened in what seemed one of history’s darkest periods, Holocaust Remembrance Day is celebrated yearly on January 27. On this day in 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, was liberated, a day of unimaginable suffering coming to an end, and a day to never forget — a day on which to pledge that ‘never again’ has finally been said. This observance also has special significance in 2025, which is the 80th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust. It is a day both to remember the victims and to take action against hatred, understand, and work to prevent horrors like this from happening again.
The Holocaust wasn’t just numbers in the cemetery of history but the destruction of human lives destroyed by systematic hatred and violence. Systematically murdering six million Jews, plus millions of others – Romani people, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and political dissidents. These are not historical records, but rather urgent lessons for humankind, to hold dignity, justice, and human rights.
Remembering the Victims and Survivors
The memory of those killed is at the heart of Holocaust Remembrance Day. That means six million Jewish victims were targeted for their faith and identity, an equally terrible number suffering under Nazi persecution. What’s so shocking about the Holocaust is its devastation: It’s overwhelming, yet individual stories make it personal and real.
Holocaust survivors are invaluable to the preservation of these memories. These testimonies give testimonies for themselves about the human suffering they suffered and the ways in which they have managed to endure unimaginable conditions. Without them, these stories are essential to fighting Holocaust denial and to keeping the truth untarnished to the next generation.
However, 2025 brings a sobering reality: It may be one of the last years survivors will able to tell their stories in person. The fact of the matter is so stark here as to cast a pall over the need to record their stories, their writings, and their education. Worldwide organizations and governments have worked to save the vital history of survivors’ voices and to continue to hear these voices long after survivors leave.
Global Observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day
From this, we know that Holocaust Remembrance Day is one which is not bound by borders, and whose nations individually and collectively commit to memory and education. In 2025 countries around the world will host celebrations and festivities marking 80th anniversary of Auschwitz Birkenau’s liberation. It’s to honour the victims, recognize the survivors, and reaffirm the promise that such atrocities will never happen again.
Some of Canada’s most recognisable landmarks light up in hope and remembrance in the form of candlelight — Niagara Falls and the CN Tower are both lit up yellow. Premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in his commemorative statement that it was important to defend human rights and to fight antisemitism. His words echo a global sentiment: Holocaust Remembrance is not only about that past but about keeping that future in view.
Ceremonies organized by the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) as it moves through Europe focus on the point of the intersection between Holocaust memory and continuing efforts to fight antisemitism, racism and other kinds of hatred. This serves to remind us to be ever-vigilant in preserving democratic principles as they welcome new members.
Combating Antisemitism and Holocaust Distortion
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025 is centred on the roubling resurgence of antisemitism, and distortion of Holocaust history. But in recent years hate speech, antisemitic attacks and denial of the Holocaust have become alarmingly common incidents. These trends are destroying the lessons of the Holocaust and are compromising the values that the day seeks to hold: tolerance and understanding.
Holocaust distortion, in particular, poses a significant challenge. This means shrinking the scope of the Holocaust by arguing that it particularly affected Jews, or even blaming the victims of its genocide, or coopting its historic past for political purposes. A leading voice in Holocaust education Rabbi Andrew Baker has condemned these distortions, calling for united action against distortion of the truth and misinformation. His warning is clear: to protect the truth of the Holocaust as the cornerstone of human rights advocacy it must be safeguarded.
Cultural and Artistic Commemorations
Holocaust remembrance is of course powerful, but so are artistic and cultural expressions. Musical performances, exhibitions, and storytelling sessions honour the victims while celebrating the human spirit, with commemorative dates in 2025. Preserving history not only, but also instigating emotional connections across generations, make these events.
A good example is where composers living/at the time of the Holocaust perform musical compositions of artists who were living/at the time of the Holocaust. They are bridges linking the past to the present, carrying sorrow, hope and survival from those suffering the indignities of Nazi persecution. Muscle can connect audiences with the legacy of the Holocaust in a profoundly personal and emotional manner.
The Role of Education in Ensuring “Never Again”
Holocaust remembrance will always focus on education. The Holocaust, therefore, is useful in reminding people what ideologies, policies and factors of society generally led to such an event and helps people recognize the warning signs of hatred and authoritarianism. Educational initiatives offer the tools to move forward in dealing with prejudice for empathy, and inclusion.
Holocaust studies are expanding from history to make moral courage, bystander intervention, and speaking out against injustice topics in schools and universities. For adults, educational programs of community workshops, public lectures and online resources complement these lessons.
A Call to Action
Reflecting on Holocaust Remembrance Day is just that – a reflection – but it’s also a call to action. This day reminds each and every one of us how much vigilance, unity and advocacy are still required to combat increasing levels of antisemitism and intolerance in many regions of the world. It pushes people and communities to fight against Hate and nations built on respect, equality, and humanity.
In today’s polarized world, the lessons of the Holocaust are so relevant. Human rights, promotion, and the campaign against discrimination gain added importance in the context of the rise of hate crimes, xenophobia and forms of authoritarian ideology. Memories and remembrance should be catalysts to tangible actions — policy shifts and social movements that celebrate diversity and favour inclusion.
Conclusion
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025 is an occasion to remember, honour, and pledge. It reminds us that the unimaginable atrocity of the Holocaust was committed and that we can still forgive and remember those who survived. It solicits keeping the memories of the past and take active measures to prevent future calamities.
When we light candles, we listen to the stories of survivors and have dialogue, we reaffirm “never again.” It’s the across-border commitment, one that has brought people together in the hope of creating a future without hatred or oppression.
