Capel Manor College Marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
On Monday 27 January, Capel Manor College honoured Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2025 with a special event featuring a live talk from Melanie Martin. The theme for this year, For a Better Future, encouraged reflection and action in remembrance of the past.
A Powerful Talk from Melanie Martin
Students and staff joined the online event to hear Melanie Martin speak about Holocaust survivor Tootje Granaat’s experiences. Her presentation shed light on the atrocities of the Holocaust, the resilience of survivors and the importance of remembering history to prevent future genocides. Attendees were deeply moved by her words, reinforcing the significance of Holocaust education.
80 Candles for 80 Years
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Capel Manor College launched the 80 Candles for 80 Years initiative. Each of our campuses took part in decorating 20 candles, culminating in a total of 80 candles lit on 27 January. This act of remembrance symbolises hope and unity in the face of historical and contemporary challenges.
Across the week students from all campuses were also encouraged to design their own candles and share their creations on social media using the hashtag #80Candles, spreading awareness and honouring those affected by the Holocaust and other genocides.
A Time for Reflection and Learning
HMD 2025 also marked 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia, serving as a stark reminder of the continued need to stand against hate and discrimination. With rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in the UK and globally, this year’s commemoration emphasised the importance of coming together, learning from history and working towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Students and staff were encouraged to act by:
- Speaking out against Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion
- Challenging prejudice and discrimination in all its forms
- Encouraging education about the Holocaust and other genocides
Capel Manor College remains committed to educating its community about the past to help build a better future. By remembering history and taking meaningful action, we can honour the memories of those lost and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
Further details about Melanie Martin’s presentation, her background, and an excerpt from her talk can be found here
