Watford Borough Council marks Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Watford marked Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 with a wreath-laying at Anne Frank’s tree, honouring victims of genocide and reflecting on freedom's fragility. The theme, 'For a Better Future' urges unity.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, Chairwoman Cllr Dawn Allen-Williamson and Deputy Mayor Cllr Aga Dychton led the town’s tribute to Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2025 by laying a wreath at the foot of Anne Frank’s treeoutside Watford Central Library.

Joined by Matt Turmaine, MP for Watford, Jeremy Taffel, Chair of Watford and District Synagogue, Inspector Dan Jones and PC Tom McAulay from Herts Police, Proud Watford and members of the public and local Jewish community, the ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and other genocides.

This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.

By reflecting on the past and acknowledging the fragility of freedom, Watford’s commemorations aim to unite people against all forms of discrimination. It is hoped that HMD 2025 can encourage communities to learn both from and about the Holocaust and more recent genocides, and to commit to building a better future by challenging prejudice and denial.

Watford itself holds a profound connection to the Holocaust. During the council’s Centenary Celebrations in 2022, Mrs. Kathleen Freeman OBE was honoured for her role in the Kindertransport efforts, having opened her home—'The Welcome House'—to refugee children seeking shelter from persecution.

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “The theme of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘For a Better Future.’ We must always stand together against every form of discrimination, racism, and hatred. Each year, we lay a wreath at Anne Frank’s memorial tree to honour the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides, reaffirming our commitment to creating a future free from persecution and fear for generations to come."

Chairwoman, Cllr Dawn Allen-Williamson, added: “By commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day and reflecting on the lessons of history, Watford stands in solidarity with communities across the globe, united in our commitment to protecting and preserving freedom for future generations. Our shared duty is to ensure the atrocities of the past are never repeated, which compels us to stand together, challenge hatred, and advocate for a world where tolerance, empathy, and mutual respect are cherished and upheld.”

Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 - For a better future 

Published: 24th January 2025

Feedback button