On 27 January 2025, Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as we remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust. On this day, we also commemorate and pray for the millions of people who were killed through the Nazi persecution of other groups and those who suffered in more recent genocides.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia, the largest incidence of mass murder in Europe since the Second World War.
This year’s theme, “For a Better Future,” provides an opportunity for people from a broad range of backgrounds to come together locally, learn from and about the past and decide on actions we can take to ensure a better future for all.
As the leading forum for Jewish-Christian relations, the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) is encouraging churches to mark HMD with a special prayer of remembrance and lament:
Eternal God, we come before You to remember the victims of the Holocaust.
We lament the loss of the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust, the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution, and victims of all genocides.
As we remember and lament all those whose lives have been lost, help us to work for a better future today.
We pray for a day when all shall be free to live in peace, unity and love.
Amen.