February 4, 2025
HMD 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. Its theme this year was ‘For a Better Future’ and encouraged people to come together, learn both from and about the past, and take actions to make a better future for all.
Last week (27 Jan), FX Plus staff and senior members from Falmouth University, the University of Exeter and the SU, came together to take part in the candle lighting ceremony and exhibition which was held at Truro Cathedral.
“It was a meaningful service, which felt particularly poignant this year as it marked 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. It was a privilege to have been invited to take part in the ceremony – and attend the commemoration with our Jewish Society students,” said Gemma.
Falmouth University Journalism & Creative Writing students attended the day and wrote the following article:
‘For a better future’
By Aimee Bentley, Danielle Hutchinson & Marla Payne (students on the BA Journalism & Creative Writing, Falmouth University)
The Holocaust genocide that occurred in Nazi Germany has been one of the most devastating events in human history.
80 years on from the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, communities continue to keep the memory of those who perished, including six million Jewish people, alive.
This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme was ‘for a better future’.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) reminds us all of what was lost, and what still needs to change, while connecting different diverse communities and backgrounds.
The service, held at Truro Cathedral on the 27th of January, allowed families of survivors to share their own stories ‘of ‘strength, courage, and community.’
Stalls shared their support, with organisations being represented such as:
Black Voices Cornwall, Inclusion Cornwall, Cornwall Council Refugee Resettlement Service, and LGBTQ+ organisations – Intercom Trust, FFLAG, and Transparent Presence CIC.
Devon and Cornwall Police’s diverse community team was present at the event to ‘engage with community groups and run events (like HMD) across Cornwall to get those conversations going and keep them alive.’
The team believe it is important to educate people on ‘what discrimination is, where it came from and how it can spark up quickly.’

Image 1: The candle lighting ceremony held at Truro Cathedral to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. Photograph by Danielle Hutchinson.

Image 2: A display from the exhibition held at Truro Cathedral on Holocaust Memorial Day 2025. Photograph by Danielle Hutchinson.