Impact

Marking Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) makes a positive difference. It changes not just what people know about the Holocaust and genocide, but also how they think and feel about those affected by persecution, and has led people to take action to learn more, share what they know with others, and protect people at risk of discrimination today. 

A study into the impact of HMD, carried out by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University in 2016, found 70% of respondents who had taken part in an HMD activity, were afterwards more aware of the causes and conditions that can lead to genocide.  Sixty-six per cent said HMD was responsible for them feeling more sympathetic toward people from different backgrounds and 93% of respondents took some form of action as a result of attending an HMD event.

Each year, across libraries and schools, museums and workplaces, thousands of HMD activities take place, providing opportunities for diverse groups of people to learn from the past to inform their actions against discrimination and persecution today.

Our impact film showcases five Holocaust Memorial Day activities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the significant impact they had on those who took part.

If you would like to learn more about the impact of HMD, watch our video of Gary Milling, Governor of HMP Magilligan, speaking about the impact HMD has had on his inmates.

Explore our case studies to find out more about the different ways people have marked HMD and the impact it has on them.