On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, communities across the globe will pause to remember one of history's darkest chapters. This date marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
An Evening of Reflection in Huddersfield
In observance of this profoundly significant moment, Holocaust Centre North will host a special evening of reflection. The event, held at the centre's home at the University of Huddersfield, will commence at 6pm. It aligns with the international Holocaust Memorial Day theme for 2026: Bridging Generations.
This anniversary serves as a powerful call to action. It underscores that the duty of remembrance does not conclude with the survivors themselves. Instead, it is a legacy carried forward by their children, grandchildren, and now a fourth generation engaged in Holocaust education and research.
Survivor Testimony and Family Legacy
The commemoration will feature a poignant interview with Holocaust survivor Iby Knill, one of the sixteen survivors whose testimonies form the foundation of the centre's permanent Through Our Eyes exhibition. Dr Tracy Craggs, Head of Collections, will converse with Iby, her daughter Pauline, and son Chris.
This discussion will illuminate the complex familial relationship to trauma and history. Iby, who endured Nazi concentration camps, took many years to speak about her experiences. She later authored two books and became a tireless educator in schools.
Iby recalled the immense support of her husband, Bert, who understood her need for space. "I found occasionally things just got too much for me and I'd just have to get away and just leave," she said. "I used to go to London and I used to just walk for days and it was the only way to cope."
The Ripple Effect of Trauma and Remembrance
Dr Elanor Stannage, Head of Communities at Holocaust Centre North, highlighted the intergenerational impact. "Iby's son Chris describes how he 'grew up feeling there was a hole somewhere, not quite knowing why'," she noted.
"The Knill family show remarkable generosity and courage in their willingness to share the depth and complexity of their unfathomable experience," Dr Stannage added. "Perhaps, through their survival despite such horror, we can better understand the global trauma the Holocaust has wrought on humanity."
The event will include candle-lighting to remember the six million Jewish victims and the millions of others murdered under Nazi persecution, including Roma and Sinti people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people. Victims of subsequent genocides worldwide will also be honoured.
Community and the Future of Memory
The evening will also involve community partners such as the Community Arts Organisation 6 Million + and pupils from Carlton Primary School. It will acknowledge those who dedicate their lives to Holocaust education, ensuring this history remains alive for future generations.
Dr Alessandro Bucci, Director of Holocaust Centre North, stated: "The theme Bridging Generations offers us an opportunity to share some of these precious relationships with our collection donors. We have the great privilege of connecting with whole families as we preserve traces of their lives, shaped by such cruelty and loss."
Holocaust Centre North, which began as the Holocaust Survivors Friendship Association, continues its mission of mutual support and education. Tickets for the Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration are free but must be reserved in advance via the centre's website.
