The 15th April 2015 marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany by the 11th Armoured Division of the British Army.
This was an event which shaped British awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and this year is likely to be the last significant anniversary we mark with eyewitnesses still with us. The anniversary was formally marked by an international ceremony at the site of the former camp on Sunday 26th April, to which the Holocaust Educational Trust took a large delegation from the UK.
Marking the anniversary, Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:
"This year, as we mark 70 years since the liberation of Bergen-Belsen by the 11th Armoured Division, we pause to remember the kindness and courage shown by British armed forces when they brought freedom to the Jewish people imprisoned there. We are delighted to be taking 200 of our Ambassadors, teachers and supporters to participate in the international commemorations and pay our respects on this important anniversary."
"Remembering Belsen" - A Digital Commemoration
Following the overwhelming response to the Trust's 70 Voices digital commemorative project, the Trust has now released Remembering Belsen, a special two-week supplement to the website and app, which explores the impact of the liberation on the camp's survivors, its liberators, and the British people.
Guidelines and Suggested Readings
We have produced a guidelines document, which also includes suggested readings for schools and community groups which are holding their own commemorative events. It can be downloaded by clicking here.