Exeter marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Exeter marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a series of poignant events across the city, reflecting on the atrocities of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

This year holds particular significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

Events in Exeter included talks, reflections, a human rights trail, and a solemn candle-lighting ceremony, bringing together members of the community to honour victims and reaffirm a commitment to challenging hatred and prejudice.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Kevin Mitchell, joined Council Leader Phil Bialyk and Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon at Exeter Cathedral for the main candle-lighting ceremony, accompanied by dignitaries, student ambassadors, and performances by local primary school choirs.

At Southernhay United Reformed Church, Stewart Raine of the Jewish Community gave a deeply moving talk titled 'A Kindertransport Child – The Story of Otto Deutsch', recounting the experience of a young boy who escaped the Holocaust.

The talk was followed by Lizzie Small of the Romany Community, who presented the film 'Porrajmos' and spoke about the Nazi genocide of the Gypsy, Roma, and Sinti peoples.

Dr David Tollerton, a scholar from the University of Exeter, also gave a talk titled 'The Roots of the Holocaust', delving into the historical and ideological factors that led to the atrocities.

The day concluded with a reflective closing ceremony at Exeter’s historic Guildhall. Members of the Jewish Community led the event, which featured further candle lighting and heartfelt reflections on the lessons of the Holocaust.

Established to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime, Holocaust Memorial Day also commemorates victims of later genocides, including in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.

This year’s events not only reflected on the past but also reinforced the importance of standing against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of discrimination. The day served as a powerful reminder to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

For more information about Holocaust Memorial Day and how to get involved, click here.