EVENTS will be staged in Britain and worldwide today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day – on the 80th anniversary of when, in 1945, the Red Army liberated the Nazis’ Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex in Poland.

The liberation of Auschwitz on January 27 was chosen as Holocaust Memorial Day for commemorations of acts of genocide, which also include those which took place in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Many events will also focus on today’s growth of fascist, far-right and neonazi parties and groups internationally, some gaining support in mainstream politics and elections.

Stand Up to Racism co-convener Weyman Bennett said: “Today, we witness similar forces that seek to replicate the Nazis’ actions, drawing strength from the broader currents of racism present in society.

“We must work together to stop the likes of Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson from forming such groups that make it possible for the horrors to return.”

Helen Aronson was 12 years old when she was taken and one of around only 750 survivors of the 250,000 imprisoned in the Lodz ghetto in Poland.

She said: “I believe education, especially for our children, is key to renouncing hate and prejudice whenever we encounter it and to break down the barriers that may exist between us.”

Holocaust memorial events in Leeds included a commemoration yesterday attended by Nick Winton, son of the late Sir Nicholas Winton, who in 1939 organised eight trains to take more than 600 Jewish children from Czechoslovakia to safety.

Among the events taking place today is a public webinar organised by the Communist Party of Britain. 

Visit communistparty.org.uk/2025/01/16/webinar-holocaust-memorial-day-annual-commemoration-27-january-2025