Residents, faith leaders, and Ealing Council representatives will come together for a shared moment of reflection on Tuesday 27 January to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2026.
The council is hosting the event in Perceval House, Uxbridge Road, Ealing, at 11am. Residents who wish to attend are advised to arrive by 10.45am as space is limited. The annual day remembers the 6 million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust, as well as the millions of others killed under Nazi persecution and in more recent genocides.
A shared act of remembrance
The event will open with a welcome address from the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly, followed by an introduction to the theme from the council leader Peter Mason.
This year’s national theme, Bridging Generations, focuses on the importance of passing memories and lessons from one generation to the next – vital in ensuring survivor stories are preserved and that hatred and prejudice are challenged wherever they appear.
Speaking ahead of the commemoration, Councillor Mason said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is not only about remembering the past, but about the responsibility we share today. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Generations’, reminds us how vital it is that the stories of those who experienced the Holocaust are carried forward by younger generations. By listening, learning and standing together, we help ensure these lessons are never lost and that hatred and division are always challenged.”
Personal testimony and young voices
A key moment of the ceremony will include a talk by guest speaker Maralyn Turgel. She will share her father’s Holocaust story, helping to bring history to life through personal testimony.
Prayers will be led by Rabbi Vogel of Ealing United Synagogue; Father David Neno, Area Dean of St Peter’s Church, Ealing; and Rabbi Miri Lawrence of Ealing Liberal Synagogue, reflecting the borough’s strong tradition of interfaith remembrance.
in keeping with the theme of ‘Bridging Generations’, students will play a central role in this year’s commemoration. Young people from Brentside High School, Cardinal Wiseman High School, Featherstone High School and Ada Lovelace High School will read Holocaust Memorial Day pledges they have written themselves.
The Stockholm Declaration and Statements of Commitment will be introduced by Councillor Mason, with students lighting a candle as each pledge is read. The ceremony will conclude with a blessing, followed by the traditional laying of stones.
Learn more
Holocaust Memorial Day is observed every year on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. For more information about this year’s theme, go to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust website.
