ClubLiverpool FC marks Holocaust Memorial Day 2022

Holocaust Memorial Day – Thursday January 27 – remembers the six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in genocide around the world.

This year’s theme for Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘One Day’, a day when differences are put aside to come together to remember and learn in the hope that there may be One Day in the future with no genocide.

In 2020, the club adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism as part of its Red Together programme. The adoption of the IHRA’s definition not only reflects the club’s ethos and values, but also demonstrates its ambition to continue to strive to make LFC as inclusive as possible.

Continuing a long association with the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Academy hosted both virtual and in-person memorial activities this week for its young players to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

This included learning about and remembering Jozsef Braun, an Olympic footballer who was killed in 1943 in a Nazi forced labour camp.

A virtual talk was also held this week with Holocaust survivor Eva Clarke BEM, who spoke with a mix of U18s, U23s and alumni players about her personal experiences and how one day became the pivotal moment of her survival.

Eva was born in Mauthausen concentration camp and survived the Holocaust. She was born on April 29, 1945, just a day after the Nazis had destroyed the camp’s gas chambers and less than a week before its liberation. You can read about her incredible story here.

Phil Roscoe, Academy player care manager at LFC, said: “The Academy has had previous visits to Auschwitz, which have left meaningful and unforgettable impressions on players and staff.

“Our virtual conversation with Eva was powerful and we thank her for sharing her story.

“We are proud to support the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust and as always it’s an immensely valuable experience for our players.”

The players will also see Holocaust Memorial Day marked ahead of kick-off this weekend at their U14s fixtures on Sunday January 30.

Rishi Jain, the club’s senior equality, diversity and inclusion manager, added: “It’s important that we take the time to understand the importance of people’s history and the past.

“There is always more to do to create a safer future for all, and recognising Holocaust Memorial Day is an essential part of this process.”

Karen Pollock CBE, chief executive at Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “Today we mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the 77th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.

“We remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, and we pay tribute to those who survived.

“As the Holocaust moves further into history, it is incumbent on all of us to grapple with the truth of the past, to hear the stories of the survivors, and to pledge to never be silent in the face of the antisemitism and hatred that allowed the Holocaust to happen.

“We are delighted to work with Liverpool FC to educate about the Holocaust and its enduring lessons for today.”

Supporters can find out more about Red Together and the club’s equality, diversity and inclusion work by visiting www.liverpoolfc.com/redtogether.