South Lanarkshire students come together to honour Holocaust Memorial Day at Carluke High School. Pupils, along with staff, parents, councillors, school partners, and religious representatives, gathered for the annual event dedicated to remembering the Jewish people and other victims of The Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 was ‘For a Better Future,’ urging everyone to unite, learn from the past, and take actions towards a brighter future for all. This year marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the Genocide in Bosnia, adding significance to the event.
Various schools participated in the event, including Carluke High School, Larkhall Academy, St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School, Rutherglen High School, and others. The evening featured performances by the Carluke Learning Community Primary Choir, highlighting unity and remembrance through music.
Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Education Resources Committee, expressed gratitude to all involved in the moving tribute. She emphasized the importance of reflection, learning from history, and working towards a better future for everyone.
The event culminated in a poignant candle-lighting ceremony led by Rabbi Mendel Jacobs and Timothy Lovatt, symbolizing hope and remembrance. The students’ heartfelt performances and the community’s collective participation made the event a touching and memorable experience for all in attendance.
Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a vital reminder of the atrocities of the past and the importance of striving for a more inclusive and peaceful future. By honouring the victims and survivors of such atrocities, we ensure that their stories are never forgotten and continue to inspire present and future generations to stand against hatred and discrimination, promoting unity and understanding in our communities.