City Hall’s Holocaust Memorial Day service honours survivors and victims of genocide, urging Londoners to unite against hate and build a future of empathy and inclusion.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and London Assembly Chair Andrew Boff AM, led a solemn service at City Hall ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, welcoming survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides alongside Jewish community leaders.
Organised with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and the Holocaust Educational Trust, the ceremony honoured victims and survivors of the Holocaust and more recent atrocities, such as the Bosnian genocide.
This year’s theme, ‘For a Better Future’, resonated deeply as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and 30 years since the Srebrenica genocide.
“As global tensions escalate, it’s more important than ever to remember we have more in common than that which divides us.”
— Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
The event featured powerful testimonials from Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke BEM, born in the Mauthausen concentration camp, and Smajo Bešo OBE, a survivor of the Bosnian genocide. Reflections from young ambassadors of the Lessons from Auschwitz programme underscored the ongoing relevance of Holocaust education.
Rabbi Epstein and Rebbetzin Ilana Epstein led the El Male Rachamim memorial prayer, while Klezmer musicians She’Koyokh Duo provided poignant musical tributes.
Mayor Khan emphasised the importance of unity in challenging hate:
“Our service ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day provides an important opportunity to listen to the stories of survivors and reflect on some of humanity’s darkest chapters. The theme, ‘For a Better Future’, inspires us to learn lessons from history and continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Andrew Boff AM echoed this sentiment, urging Londoners to combat racism and division:
“Eighty years on from the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the lessons we can learn from these appalling crimes are as relevant as ever. I encourage every Londoner to stand up against antisemitism, islamophobia, and all forms of hate.”
Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, highlighted the day’s significance:
“As we confront enduring threats of prejudice and hate, we must draw strength from diverse communities uniting to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Combating antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and all prejudice is a collective call to action.”
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, stressed the urgency of remembrance:
“This is likely the last milestone anniversary with a significant number of Holocaust survivors still with us. As antisemitism persists, it has never been more important to remember where hatred can lead.”
The service stands as a poignant reminder of the past and a call to action for a more inclusive future.
