Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January) is recognised annually across the world to remember the six million Jews that were murdered during the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other people killed from 1933-1945 under the Nazi persecution and in genocides across the world since. 

Current student Curtis Burbidge has led the 2022 event programme for the University, with the support of the Council of Faiths, the Centre for Faith and Spirituality, and the Holocaust Educational Trust. In addition, a number of academics and volunteers have taken the time to support this year’s initiative.

The sessions will take place on-campus in Room EHB.1.10A (Edward Herbert Building) on 27 January. Please note attendees will also be able to join the sessions online if they are unable to attend in person.

The programme for the day is as follows:

9am-9.10am – Introduction

9.10am-9.50am – Antisemitism and the uncivil civil society by Dr Cristian Tileaga

This talk will explore some forms of antisemitism that reveal its contemporary intersectional and multidimensional nature. It will look at how civil society, which commonly embraces tolerant spaces, actors, and institutional forms, may also support illiberalism (misogyny, racism, anti-intellectualism) and manifest hostility towards liberal democracy and some of its practices.

10am-10.50am – Every day matters by Amanda Harrington (online only)

This interactive workshop will begin with some reminders of the early warning signs of the Holocaust. The attendees and the facilitator will then talk and listen to what they observe around them today. Participants will be invited to share ideas about practical and realistic actions to recognise the opportunities to ensure it doesn’t happen again. 

11am-11.50am – Alfred: How one man survived World War ll with a false identity by Anthony Gimpel

This is the story of Alfred Adler, a Jew. He survived WWII under the German Occupation in Holland and Belgium with a false identity. His story raises questions about our current treatment of and assumptions about so-called illegal immigrants.

12pm-12.50pm – Chaplaincy Service led by the Centre for Faith and Spirituality

1pm-1.50pm – 23 August 1939: The Nazi-Soviet Pact and Mass Killing in Eastern Europe by Dr Paul Maddrell

On 23 August 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union concluded a non-aggression pact, enabling Adolf Hitler to wage war on Poland without fear of a war with the Soviet Union. Both armies invaded Poland in September 1939 and by doing so, made the Holocaust possible. This lecture will demonstrate that the Soviet regime of Joseph Stalin was a mass killer; it will show that the Soviet conquest of Eastern Poland led to mass killings on the part of Stalin’s regime which formed part of the huge death toll it exacted as it sought to impose a Communist society in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.

2pm-2.50pm – Creative writing workshop by Char March (online only, however, guests can watch the workshop from EHB.1.10A)

This workshop will be led by award-winner writer Char March, who will focus the group on one particular day in history and how attendees can write powerfully and positively.

4pm-5pm – Commemoration at Queen’s Park

A ceremony to remember all the victims of genocide. The Borough will share their Act of Commitment, and those present will be invited to place a pebble on the commemoration stone. Please note this event is not led by 含羞草视频.

If you would like to sign up for any of the events, please fill out the online booking form here.

In addition, on Friday 28 January a trip has been arranged to visit the National Holocaust Centre and Museum. A coach will leave the University at 9am and arrive back at 含羞草视频 at approximately 4pm. The overall cost is £6.20 per person, which covers the transport and the entry fee of the museum. Please note there are only a small number of places available so bookings will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Register your place here.