The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2021 is Be the light in the darkness. It encourages everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide.
Be the light in the darkness is an affirmation and a call to action for everyone marking HMD. This theme asks us to consider different kinds of ‘darkness’, for example, identity-based persecution, misinformation, denial of justice; and different ways of ‘being the light’, for example, resistance, acts of solidarity, rescue and illuminating mistruths.
Increasing levels of denial, division and misinformation in today’s world mean we must remain vigilant against hatred and identity-based hostility. Rapid technological developments, a turbulent political climate, and world events beyond our control can leave us feeling helpless and insignificant.
The utterly unprecedented times through which we are living currently are showing the very best of which humanity is capable but also – in some of the abuse and conspiracy theories being spread on social media – the much darker side of our world as well.
We can all stand in solidarity. We can choose to be the light in the darkness in a variety of ways and places – at home, in public, and online.
Scope of the theme
1 – Darkness draws in
a) The darkness of distortion and hate
b) Emotional darkness
Before every genocide, perpetrators divide society into those considered worthy of human treatment, and those who are not. Distortions are deployed using propaganda and stereotyping to identify and victimise a specific group (or groups), followed by discrimination – often enshrined into law. The darkness leading to genocide also causes deep emotional trauma.
For those affected, fear, hopelessness and dread all have a profound and long-lasting impact.
2 – Light during the darkness
a) Resistance – a light in the darkness
b) Rescuers – extreme bravery in the darkness
c) Lighting the way with kindness
d) Shining light into the darkness
Amid the darkness of genocide, there have always been those who oppose the regime, risking their own lives, homes and communities. Maintaining faith and culture during genocide defies the ambitions of regimes to eradicate entire groups and their culture. Survivors emphasise that any kindness, when surrounded by suffering, indifference, and persecution, is powerful.
For the international community, there is a responsibility to shine a light on situations where people are persecuted and hold those responsible to account.
3 – Darkness today
a) The darkness of denial and distortions of genocide
b) Identity based prejudice and hostility today
Denial is one of the common features of every genocide. Often those responsible for genocide will restrict access to physical locations and evidence, and seek to obscure their intentions and genocidal activity. Sadly, prejudice and hostility against people based on their identity continues to hurt people and communities here in the UK, and around the world.
4 – Being the light in the darkness today
a) Shining light through testimony
b) Confronting denial, distortion and misinformation
c) Our responsibility to be the light
This year’s theme asks all of us to recognise that the responsibility for genocide education and prevention does not lie only with survivors sharing their testimony. Their experiences hold lessons for all of us and it is vital that we listen to their experiences and become witnesses for them.
As distortions and denial increase, facing the extent and nature of the crimes committed to reveal the truth of genocide and genocidal regimes is more important than ever.
Our lights are more powerful when we work together with others. This theme may inspire you to support charities and community groups working to tackle identity-based violence and denial.
Holocaust Memorial Day enables us to remember – for a purpose. It gives us a responsibility to work for a safer, better, future for everyone. Everyone can step up and use their talents to tackle prejudice, discrimination and intolerance wherever we encounter them.
The UK Holocaust Memorial Day 2021 Ceremony will be streamed online at 7pm on 27 January. This will be our first fully digital ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, join the nation and Light the darkness. Light a candle and put it in your window at 8pm on 27 January. To remember those who were murdered for who they were. To stand against prejudice today.
Why no share on social media that you are taking part in our Light the darkness national moment. You can download our Light the darkness films to share here, or download Light the darkness social media graphics below:
Twitter graphic Instagram graphic
Here is a template tweet you can use on 27 January:
Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, and I will be lighting a candle and safely placing it in my window at 8pm. To remember those who were murdered for who they were and to stand against prejudice and hatred today. #LightTheDarkness #HolocaustMemorialDay @HMD_UK
When you light your candle, take a photo and share it on social media with the hashtags #HolocaustMemorialDay and #LightTheDarkness
Organise an online activity
Explore our HMD Together resources for ideas, advice and guidance on how to mark HMD together online. Suggested activities include book clubs, cook-alongs, group poetry writing and online ceremonies. Each of these activities can be taken part in as a group from the safety of your own home.
Alternatively, visit our online map to find HMD activities happening across the UK, many of which will be online.
Join the conversation about HMD on social media
Tweet and post on Facebook to show how you will mark HMD and share photos of your activity when it happens.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and share our content to enable more people to learn about the Holocaust, Nazi Persecution and more recent genocides.
If you are looking for suitable images to use on social media with your tweets and Facebook posts, take a look at the images available to download in our resources hub.
Social media can be a fantastic way of raising awareness of HMD, but must be used carefully. Please ensure that your use of social media is sensitive and respectful at all times, including your use of images.
For more information, please refer to our guidance on the use of images.
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