HMDT Next Gen Ambassador Graduates

Image: HMDT Next Gen Ambassador Graduates 2026

The graduation ceremony recognised the achievements of an inspiring group of 18–25 year olds who have completed a year-long programme dedicated to learning about the Holocaust, prejudice, remembrance and the importance of taking action in today’s world. The event featured speeches from Daniel Finkelstein OBE, The Rt Hon Sir Sajid Javid, Chair of HMDT, alongside reflections from some of the graduating Ambassadors themselves.

Throughout the HMDT programme, the Ambassadors took part in workshops, engaged with survivor testimony and explored the contemporary relevance of Holocaust remembrance and memorialisation. They developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to become advocates within their own communities, leading events, delivering peer education activities, writing newspaper articles and as spokespeople during Holocaust Memorial Day.

Over the past year, the Ambassadors have already made a significant impact including:

• Joseph Knowles who spoke at the UK Holocaust Memorial Day National Ceremony said: “Being who I am and simply loving who I love isn’t a choice, but hatred is.”
• Molly Phillips who wrote an article for The Big Issue.
• Zafran Pervz was interviewed by the BBC’s One Show for Holocaust Memorial Day.
• Molly Philips was interviewed by British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS) for Holocaust Memorial Day.
• Samuel Farag held an event at his university and spoke at several community Holocaust Memorial Day services.
• Libi Sears and Megan Davies represented Holocaust Memorial Day Trust on the UK delegation to March of the Living in Poland.
• Libi Sears and Dani Abrams hosting a Holocaust Memorial Day event in collaboration with Waging Peace.
• Antonio Comon hosted a Holocaust Memorial Day event for his local church group, expanding to university students from across the local campuses.
• Rafaela Golding organised and seamlessly delivered an education session on Holocaust denial and distortion to her college.

Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said: “At a time when antisemitism is rising and Holocaust distortion and denial are becoming more widespread, especially online, it has never been more important for young people to become confident and compassionate voices within their communities. We are so proud of our Next Gen Ambassadors – their energy and commitment are an inspiration to the HMDT team. We know they will help ensure that lessons from the Holocaust continue to reach future generations, and build a more informed and inclusive society.”

Graduates from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s Next Gen Ambassador programme came from across the country, and include Rafaela Golding, Luke Henri Paetzold, Issy Waite, Zafran Pervez, Megan Davies, Keziah Miller, Macy Gaines, Antonio Coman, Molly Phillips, Siobhan-Liorah Pentith, Libi Sears, Levona Zarum, Avital Cohen, Samuel Farag, Dani Abrams, Tziyona Elf, Joseph Knowles, Alexander Platt, Aimee Jayes, Alys Tynan and Joseph Slonim.

The programme forms part of HMDT’s wider work engaging young people across the UK in Holocaust remembrance and education. Applications for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s Next Gen Ambassador programme will open in August. For further information and to register your interest, email [email protected]