As the world commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day, marking the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 1945, the Jewish community continues to grapple with the enduring shadow of antisemitism. Rabbi Daniel Walker of Manchester's Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation recently shared his ongoing struggle with trauma following a violent attack on his synagogue during Yom Kippur last year. The attack, which left two dead and three injured, underscores the persistent threat of hatred against Jewish communities.

Rabbi Walker described the attack as a stark reminder of the continuum of antisemitism, stating, "We're still being murdered, injured, and attacked in the name of this hatred." Despite the trauma, his congregation has shown resilience, reopening the synagogue shortly after the incident and fostering interfaith relations. "We received so much support from all faiths, but we still need to do more," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Holocaust survivors across Europe have been vocal in their warnings against forgetting the atrocities of the past. At Auschwitz, survivors laid flowers and candles, urging vigilance against rising populism and extremism. Tova Friedman, an Auschwitz survivor, is set to address Germany's parliament, directly challenging far-right ideologies. "How dare you? Who do you think you are?" she plans to ask members of the Alternative für Deutschland party.

Commemorative events took place globally, from Berlin's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe to Amsterdam's silent procession through the Jewish quarter. These gatherings serve as poignant reminders of the Holocaust's impact and the necessity of education. In Ireland, the government announced increased funding for Holocaust education following a survey revealing significant gaps in historical awareness among young people.