On Saturday, June 14th, 2025, Sheffield became a place of reflection, unity, and historical remembrance as it hosted the first “Remembrance Day for Victims of German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camps.” The event, organised by Green Light – Family Support CIC, marked the 85th anniversary of the first mass transport of prisoners to Auschwitz, and brought together voices, stories, and perspectives from across communities and generations.

This day of commemoration offered more than remembrance — it created a space for dialogue, education, and shared responsibility. Speakers from different backgrounds delivered powerful testimonies, historical insights, and deeply moving reflections, reminding all that the memory of the Holocaust and the Nazi concentration camp system must never fade. Although not all invited contributors could be present in person due to unforeseen circumstances, their messages still found a way to be shared — including through a moving poetry video prepared in advance by the Roma community.

The program featured presentations by Holocaust survivor Joan Salter and Michael Lewis, whose family story resonated deeply with the audience. Experts like Nicola Strauther from the National Holocaust Museum and Rafał Michliński from the Institute of National Remembrance provided vital historical context, while cultural contributions — including poetry, visual exhibitions, and shared readings — added an emotional depth that touched many.

One of the highlights was the distribution of Witold Pilecki’s Report, in both Polish and English. These materials were met with strong interest, further reflecting the hunger for education and remembrance across all ages. The exhibitions drew considerable attention and created moments of quiet reflection, encouraging attendees to connect historical facts with personal emotions.

The event was also honoured by the presence of local officials, diplomats, and community representatives, including the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, the Consul of the Republic of Poland in Manchester, and members of various international and civic organizations. Their support demonstrated that remembrance is not confined by nationality — it is a shared human duty.

Attendees consistently praised both the quality of the event’s organisation and the profound depth of the presentations, which left a lasting impression on all who participated.

This inaugural Remembrance Day in Sheffield proved that collective memory can be a powerful tool — not only for honoring the past but for shaping a more just and empathetic future. Plans are already underway for future editions of the event, with a strong focus on intergenerational dialogue, minority representation, and education that crosses borders.

Organizers look forward to continuing this mission, and to welcoming even more voices next year.

For more information, photos, and updates from the „Remembrance Day for Victims of German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camps” event in Sheffield, please visit their fanpage here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1JMBuvTHnw/