Cardiff to host Wales National Ceremony to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day
Members of the public are invited to light a candle and place it safely in their window at 8pm on Tuesday, January 27 to take part in ‘Light the Darkness'
In Cardiff, religious and political leaders attended Wales’ national commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day, honouring those lost in the Holocaust and in genocides.
This year, the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 is ‘Bridging Generations’.
Cardiff Council says it acts as "a reminder that the responsibility of remembrance does not end with the survivors - it lives on through their children, their grandchildren and through all of us. The theme encourages engagement with events of the past, through listening and learning, and by carrying those lessons forward".
The Wales National Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony took place at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff.
Those attending included Leader of Cardiff Council Cllr Huw Thomas, Lord Mayor of Cardiff Cllr Adrian Robson, Wales First Minister Eluned Morgan, and Reverend Canon Stewart Lisk BEM, Honorary Chaplain to Cardiff Council.
"We honour those who suffered, those who resisted, and the generations who have carried their memories forward"
Reflecting on the commemoration, Huw Thomas Cardiff Council Leader, said: “As we gather for Holocaust Memorial Day, Cardiff stands in solemn remembrance of the millions of lives taken in the Holocaust and in genocides since. We honour those who suffered, those who resisted, and the generations who have carried their memories forward.
“Just as one generation speaks to the next about the importance of dignity and the fight against hatred, so too must we continue that work here in our city. May today strengthen our commitment to building a Cardiff where every community is protected, every person is valued, and the lessons of the past are never forgotten."
"We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocide”
In a statement of commitment, The Lord Mayor, The Rt Hon Cllr Adrian Robson, said: “We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in our nation’s collective memory. We must make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon its consequences. We vow to remember the victims of Nazi persecution and of all genocide.”
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day theme, 'Bridging Generations', is a reminder that remembrance must not end with the survivors – it is a message we must carry forward. We must engage actively with the past – to listen, learn and build a bridge between the past and hope for the future.
“Wales understands the importance of tolerance and remembrance. We stand side by side together today and show our unwavering commitment to “byth eto” - never again.”
Others attending the service of commemoration were Holocaust Survivor Peter Lantos BEM, who was born in Hungary in 1939. As a child he was deported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and survived until liberation in 1945.
A representative from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust also joined young Ambassadors who relayed their experiences of the Lessons from Auschwitz project which is open to 16 to 18-year-old students.
Reflection readings were given by the Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia and representatives from the Consular Association in Wales, South Wales Jewish Representative Council, Equality & Human Rights Commission, Pride Cymru, Welsh Refugee Council and Disability Wales.
Holocaust Memorial Day is commemorated every year on January 27, the day Auschwitz Concentration Camp was liberated in 1945.
As part of marking the occasion, building and landmarks with be lit in purple on the evening of January 27.
Members of the public are invited to light a candle and place it safely in their window at 8pm on Tuesday, January 27 to take part in ‘Light the Darkness’, a national moment for Holocaust Memorial Day.