Families of Holocaust survivors are their legacy, charity head says

The Holocaust Educational Trust says families of survivors are becoming the living legacy as survivor numbers fall, and this year's Holocaust Memorial Day theme is 'bridging generations'.

The families of Holocaust survivors are being described as their legacy as the UK prepares to observe Holocaust Memorial Day, whose theme this year is "bridging generations". The Holocaust Educational Trust's chief executive, Karen Pollock, said commemorations come at a crucial juncture because survivors are ageing and becoming fewer. She said that younger relatives across several generations are increasingly willing to share family stories and preserve testimony. Recent deaths of well-known survivors were reported earlier this month. Key points: - This year's Holocaust Memorial Day theme is "bridging generations" and highlights the role of younger people in keeping memory alive. - Karen Pollock said many survivors are in their 80s and 90s and are diminishing in number, raising questions about preserving eyewitness testimony. - Pollock said children, grandchildren and later generations of survivors are increasingly taking on the responsibility of sharing family stories and carrying the legacy. - The article notes the recent deaths of survivors Eva Schloss (aged 96) and Harry Olmer, and reports that commemorations come amid a reported rise in antisemitism. Summary: Evolving family involvement is shaping how Holocaust memory will be passed on as eyewitness testimonies decline. Charity leaders say this is occurring alongside a reported rise in antisemitism, which underscores the emphasis on younger generations in commemorations. Undetermined at this time.