Premier League clubs have been commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January, which in 2025 has even more significance as it is 80 years on from the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
A club legend as well as a young fan from each of five Premier League clubs, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, welcomed Holocaust survivors to hear about their experiences during the Holocaust.
It was part of an initiative along with Jewish News, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and The FA to inspire communities to confront the growing threats of antisemitism and other forms of hate, ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are not forgotten.
Survivors Alfred Garwood MBE, John Hajdu MBE, Joan Salter MBE, Dr Martin Stern MBE and Janine Webber MBE took part alongside Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker, Spurs' Ledley King, Brighton’s Glenn Murray, Chelsea’s Katie Chapman and West Ham’s Carlton Cole.
To honour Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Arsenal Academy Manager Per Mertesacker and young fan Evie met Alfred Garwood, a survivor.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 21, 2025
Alfred shared his powerful story of resilience, and the importance of standing against hate.
To honour #HolocaustMemorialDay, 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Glenn Murray and young fan Edie met Joan Salter MBE, a Holocaust survivor.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 22, 2025
Joan shared her powerful story of survival, resilience, and the importance of standing against hate. 💙🤍
To honour Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, former Blue Katie Chapman met Janine Webber MBE, a Holocaust survivor.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 27, 2025
Janine shared her powerful story of survival, resilience, and the importance of standing against hate.
Elsewhere, Holocaust survivor Steven Franks, a grandfather of a Crystal Palace intern, spoke to the Eagles' U14 squad, while Academy players from Manchester City and Manchester United will hear a second-generation testimony from Noemie Lopian.
Other clubs' Academy matches at the weekend were marked by a commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day.
At our recent U14s fixture against Burnley, the boys took a moment to reflect on the upcoming Holocaust Memorial Day as part of their involvement in the Premier League's 'Football Remembers the Holocaust' initiative.#HolocaustMemorialDay #HMD2025 @PLCommunities @HolocaustUK pic.twitter.com/lcEJWS0vaB
— Everton Academy (@EvertonAcademy) January 27, 2025
Since the 2018/19 season, the Premier League has provided to clubs the "Football Remembers the Holocaust Educational Programme", an initiative aimed at educating U14 Academy players about the Holocaust.
This initiative has since evolved into one of the Premier League's recognised Academy Enrichment Programmes.
The Football Remembers the Holocaust Programme is structured around five key elements:
Pre-War Life in Europe A focus on Jewish communities before the Holocaust.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) Held annually on 27 January, players honour victims through readings, a minute's silence and wearing of HMD stickers. Clubs engage in educational sessions about the Holocaust before marking the day.
Holocaust Survivor Testimonies Survivors share their stories in deeply moving sessions attended by academy players and staff.
Visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museums While the COVID-19 pandemic and recent global events have impacted international travel, alternative visits and reflections have taken place.
Programme Reflection Players provide feedback and learn about anti-Semitism and the experiences of Holocaust survivors’ descendants.
Since its launch, the programme has engaged over 1,000 young academy players, with 1,005 participants taking part. Additionally, 118 young people have been nominated by their clubs to attend end-of-programme trips to Poland.
This programme continues to ensure that young players not only develop on the pitch but also grow as socially conscious individuals, carrying the vital lessons of the Holocaust forward and understanding the history around it.
