Wednesday marked Holocaust Memorial Day and the Premier League, its clubs and players united to commemorate this year's theme, "Be the light in the darkness".
Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jewish men, women and children killed by the Nazis and their collaborators in the Holocaust between 1941 and 1945.
It also commemorates the millions murdered in subsequent genocides, such as in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
At 20:00 GMT on 27 January, iconic landmarks and billboards across the United Kingdom, including West Ham United's London Stadium, Blackpool Tower, Caerphilly Castle and the London Eye were lit up in the Holocaust Memorial Day's global colour of purple.
We are proud to take part in the #LightTheDarkness national moment today.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 27, 2021
On #HolocaustMemorialDay, we remember those who were murdered for who they were. And we stand against prejudice and hatred in the world today. pic.twitter.com/MltolNuuKc
Organised by Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, households across the UK were also encouraged to remember victims of genocide and unite against prejudice by lighting a candle and placing it safely in windows to create a national moment called "Light the Darkness".
Fighting antisemitism
In October 2020, the Premier League adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, as part of its ongoing commitment to promote equality and diversity, and to combat discrimination of any form in football.
We’re delighted to have worked with @premierleague football clubs for #HolocaustMemorialDay 2021.
— Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (@HMD_UK) January 27, 2021
Footballers are calling on the nation to #LightTheDarkness.
At 8pm tonight, light a candle and safely place it in your window to mark the day.
That commitment was carried by the clubs and players too on Holocaust Memorial Day. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson joined others to show support for "Light the Darkness" in a video.
Chelsea marked their home match with Wolverhampton Wanderers by highlighting the stories of 20 sportsmen and women, 17 of those of Jewish heritage, who were murdered by Nazis.
A powerful message at Stamford Bridge tonight.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2021
Commemorating #HolocaustMemorialDay#WeRemember pic.twitter.com/V2c2U1UxYy
And as part of the partnership between the League's Education Department and the Holocaust Educational Trust, Under-14 Academy players from clubs such as Arsenal are learning about the Holocaust through the Football Remembers The Holocaust Educational Programme, a three-day course conducted online with the youngsters.
💭 “We have a responsibility to help our young players understand that they are part of a far bigger world.”
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) January 27, 2021
Well said, @Mertesacker ❤️#HolocaustMemorialDay | @HMD_UK | #LightTheDarkness https://t.co/xNIaqK6Qbn
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the boys will learn about Julius Hirsch, the first Jewish player to represent Germany, but who was deported to and murdered at Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Light the Darkness videos and messages
🗣️“We must stand together in the football community to be more inclusive, respectful and tolerant.” ~ #MUFC scholar ❤️
— Man Utd Foundation (@MU_Foundation) January 27, 2021
This week, @ManUtd U14s were given a talk by Holocaust survivor Steven Frank BEM, in partnership with @HolocaustUK
#HolocaustMemorialDay #LightTheDarkness pic.twitter.com/Yo4lFAoEKP
Crystal Palace Football Club are proud to take part in the #LightTheDarkness national moment today.
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) January 27, 2021
On #HolocaustMemorialDay, light a candle and safely place it in your window at 8pm on 27 January. To remember, and to stand against prejudice in the world today. @HMD_UK pic.twitter.com/Ir2n94LCRq
#LightTheDarkness
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 27, 2021
On #HolocaustMemorialDay, light a candle and safely place it in your window at 8pm tonight.
To remember, and to stand against prejudice in the world today. pic.twitter.com/TY7XRgswdZ
#LightTheDarkness
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 27, 2021
On #HolocaustMemorialDay, light a candle and safely place it in your window at 8pm tonight.
To remember, and to stand against prejudice in the world today. pic.twitter.com/R0poJFbA8A
Today is #HolocaustMemorialDay
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 27, 2021
At 8pm, people across the nation will be lighting a candle and placing it in their windows to remember those who lost their lives and to take a stand against the prejudice that still exists in the world today. #LightTheDarkness ⚪️ @HMD_UK pic.twitter.com/Z3ZFdPPBmo
We must continue to stand against prejudice and discrimination in the world today. @HMD_UK
— Wolves (@Wolves) January 27, 2021
At 8pm tonight, light a candle and safely place it in your window to remember the millions who lost their lives.#HolocaustMemorialDay | #LightTheDarkness pic.twitter.com/GShgOxistC
