Wales marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

During the ceremony Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke BEM, born in Mauthausen concentration camp, and Safet Vukalić BEM, a survivor of the genocide in Bosnia, shared their experiences.

Reflections were read by representatives of communities that were affected by the Holocaust, including Dan Walsh from Pride Cymru and Isaac Blake representing the Romani Community. Readings and blessings were also given by religious and political leaders.

Student Ambassadors from the Holocaust Education Trust spoke about their visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau in addition to musical interludes by students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Cardiff and County Vale of Glamorgan Youth Choir.

The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, who read extracts from The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, said:

‘On Holocaust Memorial Day, it’s important we show our unwavering commitment to those who died that we must ensure these horrific acts never happen again. It was an honour to read from the diary of Anne Frank, whose legacy continues to spread a message of tolerance to people of all ages, in Wales and around the world.’

As part of marking the occasion in Wales, Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, the Senedd, and the Welsh Government building in Cathays Park were among many buildings lit up in purple for the national Light the Darkness moment. A focal point of the many activities which occurred across the week of HMD in Wales.

Banner image: Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff lit in purple to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. © Felix Hughes