
This Holocaust Memorial Day communities across Newcastle and beyond are being urged to come together under the theme ‘For a Better Future.’
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the Bosnian genocide.
Despite pledges of “never again” after each atrocity, conflicts and human rights abuses persist around the world, including ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East.
Throughout January, organisations across Newcastle will host a series of events designed to educate, inspire, and empower communities. These offer an opportunity to reflect on these lessons from history and commit to building a brighter future.
One of the standout events, ‘Peace is Personal,’ will feature a first-hand account from Smajo Beso OBE, a survivor of the Bosnian genocide. Born in Bosnia in 1985, Smajo’s father and male relatives endured torture in concentration camps, while other family members were tragically murdered. In 1994, Smajo and his family sought refuge in Newcastle when he was just nine years old.
His compelling story of survival takes place on 29 January, at 2pm in Bewick Hall, City Library, with an option to join via an online livestream.
Councillor Abdul Samad, Cabinet Member for Culture, Music and Arts, Newcastle City Council said “We hope that Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 will provide an opportunity for people to come together, learn from and about the past, reflect on our present precarious predicament, and take action to make a better future. The programme of events that have been developed by organisations across the city aim to encourage and enable us all to reflect on what we can do, on our own and together, to prevent further atrocities and distress.”
Holocaust Memorial Day is marked annually on 27 January and is a time to honour the millions of lives lost in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Activities marking Holocaust Memorial Day in Newcastle will run until the end of January. Full details of the city’s programme can be found online.