Because the Holocaust did not happen in the British Isles, the vast majority of people in British society did not feel the need to address it as a cause for concern. Today, we find that there is a need to confront that assumption.
The Jersey Heritage Trust was appointed by the Bailiff of Jersey as co-ordinator of the educational programme for Jersey's first Holocaust Memorial Day which was commemorated on 27 January 2001.
The purpose of this special day is to ensure that the horrendous crimes against humanity committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten, and its relevance for each new generation is understood.
Holocaust Memorial Day provides a national focus for education and promotes a democratic and tolerant society, free of the evils of prejudice and racism.
It brings to the fore the point that the excesses of Hitler's totalitarian regime were so far reaching that they even affected the Channel Islands. Victims were brought to the islands while others were taken from them, thus stressing the point "It happened here!"
Programme of Events
- An exhibition Remembering Genocide which can be viewed from this website.
- The Jersey Heritage Trust will be giving every Year 6 and Year 9 student in the island a brochure What is Holocaust Memorial Day in which the basic issues surrounding HMD will be explained.