WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Harriett Baldwin has this week marked the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by signing the Book of Commitment in Westminster.
Thousands of events up and down the country will be held to mark the anniversary remembering all the victims of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
With survivors becoming fewer and frailer, the responsibility falls on this and the next generation to remember and ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.
In the lead up to and on Holocaust Memorial Day, thousands of commemorative events will be arranged by schools, faith groups and community organisations across the country, remembering the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The theme for this year’s commemorations is ‘Bridging Generations’
Holocaust Educational Trust works to mark the genocide by arranging more trips for local school children to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp to learn about the events first-hand.
Harriett commented: “Each year, I join my colleagues signing the Book of Commitment at the Houses of Parliament to show that we will continue to remember the six million victims who died in the camps in the Second World War and our commitment to stand up to genocide across the world.
“I’ve taken part in a trip to see the camps first-hand with local sixth-formers and the Holocaust Educational Trust carries out an important role helping children understand the horrific events of more than seven decades ago so that we can preserve this piece of history.
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage local schools to get in touch with the Trust and take advantage of this very moving learning experience.”
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators and we honour the survivors who rebuilt their lives while coming to terms with unimaginable loss.
“As the voices of survivors sadly fades, the responsibility to continue their legacy passes firmly on to the next generation. The loss of eyewitnesses and the urgency to protect their stories for the next generation is crucial.”
