Good Morning Britain presenter Rob Rinder shared a profoundly emotional message during a special Holocaust Memorial Day edition of BBC's The One Show on Tuesday 27 January. The barrister and television personality appeared alongside guests including Mika and Take That, with hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Jones, to commemorate the solemn occasion.
A Personal Connection to Tragedy
Rinder, who has previously explored his family history on television programmes like BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, spoke openly about his personal connection to the Holocaust. His grandfather survived concentration camps, but many other family members were not so fortunate. "My family were murdered in Treblinka," Rinder stated solemnly, highlighting the devastating impact on his own lineage.
A Call to Action Against Hate
Following a pre-recorded clip featuring a Holocaust survivor's harrowing memories, Rinder delivered an impassioned plea to viewers across the nation. He urged everyone, regardless of background or origin, to participate in a simple yet powerful act of remembrance. "Put a candle in your window safely," he implored, "and what that light does is give us hope in a world that's increasingly dark."
Rinder emphasised the importance of bridging generations as survivors of the Holocaust diminish in number. "Generations who touched the face of tyranny, who had that freedom, that sacred freedom taken away from us," he reflected, connecting past atrocities to contemporary concerns about rising hate and intolerance.
Finding Hope in Darkness
The presenter grew visibly emotional as he explained the deeper significance of the candle-lighting tradition. "In a world that feels increasingly denuded of hope and where we feel everyday that there is despair," Rinder continued, "when we put that candle in the window, we are reminded that all of us, whoever we can, can stand up to hate in all of its forms."
He framed the act not merely as commemoration, but as an active commitment to human goodness. "It's about remembering that we are people of goodness, courage and hope," Rinder asserted, stressing that the memory of the six million Jews and other victims should never fade without consequence.
An Emotional Conclusion
After his powerful speech, host Alex Jones responded with heartfelt appreciation, calling Rinder's words "so simple but so powerful." The segment concluded with Rinder reciting a reading of We Remember Them, during which he appeared to choke back tears, demonstrating the raw emotional weight of the subject matter.
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their support and admiration. One wrote simply, "Love Rob Rinder," while another praised his "great words" during the broadcast.
A Continuing Legacy
Rinder's commitment to Holocaust education extends beyond this television appearance. His emotional journey discovering his grandfather's survival story led him to front the documentary My Family, the Holocaust and Me, exploring his family's resilience and the broader historical context. This latest appearance on The One Show reinforces his ongoing advocacy for remembrance and tolerance.
The One Show airs weeknights at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer, with this special Holocaust Memorial Day edition serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of historical memory in contemporary society.
