Later on Tuesday at the memorial day’s National Ceremony, survivors lit candles and remarks were given by speakers including Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis and Rabbi Daniel Walker of Heaton Park Synagogue, the site of October’s deadly attack in Manchester.
Chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, said: “Prejudice still continues today within our communities and around the world, and this national day is an important reminder of where it can lead.”
Landmarks, buildings and monuments across the UK were lit up in purple as part of the national Light the Darkness moment at 20:00, including Cardiff Castle, the Houses of Parliament, Edinburgh Castle and Queen’s University Belfast.
People around the country were invited to light a candle in their windows to remember those who were killed and to stand against prejudice and hatred.
The Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales lit a candle and said this year’s theme, Bridging Generations, “reminds us of the importance of listening to survivors, sharing their stories, and carrying their memories forward so the past is never forgotten”.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust said the day mattered more than ever “in a time when prejudice is alarmingly rising across our communities”.
Dr Marcel Ladenheim, who was hidden by a French family during the Holocaust after his father was killed at Auschwitz, said the venue of an event he planned to attend on Tuesday had not been disclosed “until very late for fear of a reaction, of mobs making a noise and making life very difficult for us”.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It upsets me, for example, if I go to the synagogue… that we need security. It upsets me to see and hear that outside Jewish schools, there is security. We don’t feel safe.”
He said he felt “worried” for his children and grandchildren – adding that “events in the Middle East” had “lifted the lid on people who don’t like Jews”.