Sunday January 27th marked the 68th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Nazi concentration and extermination camp which is the site of the largest mass murder in history. In the weeks running up to the day, the Holocaust Educational Trust placed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons, giving MPs the chance to honour those who were persecuted and killed during the Holocaust and encouraging constituents to work together to combat prejudice and racism today.
In signing the Book of Commitment, George paid tribute to those who perished during the Holocaust and honoured the extraordinary Holocaust survivors who work tirelessly to educate young people about what they endured, through the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach programme.
In the weeks leading up to and after Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events are arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. This year, people will also be encouraged to honour those communities that have been destroyed by genocide and reflect on the importance of coming together to oppose prejudice and hatred.
George said:
"Some years ago I visited the memorial and education centre at Yad Vashem in Israel which was very moving and thought provoking. If we are to prevent an appalling genocide like this happening again, we must never ever forget the holocaust and organisations like the Holocaust Educational Trust play an essential role in passing knowledge on to future generations."
Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said:
“We are proud that George Eustice is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is vitally important that we both remember and learn from the appalling events of the Holocaust – as well as ensuring that we continue to challenge all forms of hatred and bigotry.”
For further information on Holocaust Memorial Day, please email George at [email protected], or telephone James Cox from the Holocaust Educational Trust on 020 7222 6822.