International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Shane Warren
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE / PUBLIC RESPONSE
For Immediate Release
27 January 2026
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) pauses to remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust, alongside the many millions of others who were persecuted, displaced, and killed because of who they were.
This day is not only about remembrance. It is about responsibility.
The Holocaust stands as one of history’s clearest warnings of what happens when hatred is normalised, when people are dehumanised, and when silence allows fear and prejudice to take root. It reminds us that violence does not begin with weapons it begins with words, exclusion, and the erosion of empathy.
Recent events, both here in Australia and around the world, have been deeply unsettling for many in our communities. They serve as a reminder that trauma, fear, and division can resurface when societies lose sight of our shared humanity. For those already carrying historical, cultural, or personal wounds, these moments can reopen pain and distress.
“The Holocaust teaches us that violence against one group ultimately harms us all. When we fail to challenge dehumanisation whether through language, policy, or indifference, we create the conditions where trauma multiplies across generations,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA.“As mental health practitioners, we see the long shadows these histories cast. Remembering is not passive it is an active commitment to compassion, dignity, and care for one another.”
At VMHPAA, we recognise that remembrance also carries a mental health dimension. Collective trauma does not disappear with time alone. It is carried in families, communities, and identities, often surfacing during moments of social tension or violence. Supporting mental wellbeing means creating spaces where grief is acknowledged, stories are honoured, and people feel safe to belong.
On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to:
Standing against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate
Supporting inclusive, trauma-informed approaches to mental health care
Encouraging dialogue, education, and empathy as foundations of a healthy society
Ensuring that “never again” is not just a phrase, but a shared responsibility
We encourage all Australians to take a moment today to reflect, to listen, and to reach out; especially to those who may be feeling unsettled, unsafe, or unseen.
Remembrance is an act of care, human dignity is a shared duty, and mental wellbeing grows where compassion is protected.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
#HolocaustRemembranceDay #NeverAgain #HumanRights #MentalWellbeing #TraumaInformedCare #SharedHumanity #VMHPAA
Comments