Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day with Purple Mash

What is Holocaust Memorial Day?

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place every year on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. It is an international day to remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and the millions of people murdered under the Nazi persecution of other groups and in more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. HMD is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the past and take action to create a safer future.

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) is the registered charity that promotes and supports HMD. HMDT provides resources and support for thousands of commemorations and learning activities every year in workplaces, youth groups, museums, prisons, schools, colleges and universities and places of worship. More information is available here.

How can I teach children about the importance of Holocaust Memorial Day?

Whilst marking HMD and teaching about the Holocaust can lead to complex and challenging questions and discussions in the classroom, it can be a meaningful experience for students. It contributes to their historical and global knowledge and understanding, empathy and positive attitudes towards people from different backgrounds. Taking part in HMD encourages students to think about what they can do as individuals within their own schools and communities.

This year HMDT has partnered with 2Simple to create a range of resources on Purple Mash to encourage more primary schools to mark HMD. These online activities build on the Primary School Assembly that introduces students to HMD, the Holocaust and discrimination in an age-appropriate way. The resources encourage students to think about consequences and impact of discrimination on those targeted.

Rachel Century, Director of Public Engagement and Deputy Chief Executive at HMDT said: “We are proud to share the new online resources produced in collaboration with 2Simple. They encourage pupils to carefully reflect on the Holocaust and discrimination today and can be used flexibly to mark HMD or support teaching the Holocaust.”

Follow the links in the Teacher Pack or click here to access the new activities.

Thanks to this new partnership, the 2024 HMD resources on Purple Mash are free to use for all schools. Schools with current Purple Mash licenses will have full functionality on the platform, so get in touch with info@2simple.com.au to discuss a free trial and to understand the full benefits of the software.